UN Expresses Concern Over Killings in Kenya

The United Nations human rights office, OHCHR, has expressed deep concern over the killing of at least ten protesters in Kenya on Monday, amid reports of police and security forces using lethal force to quell violent demonstrations in Nairobi and across the country. The protests erupted in 16 counties, with police reportedly using live ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons. The UN is calling for an investigation into the reported killings and alleged violations of international human rights law, including the use of force. The protests marked the 35th anniversary of the 1990 Saba Saba protests, which paved the way to multi-party democracy in Kenya.

Key Takeaways:

• At least 10 protesters were killed and 567 people were arrested, according to police reports, while the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported at least 10 fatalities, 29 injuries, 37 arrests, and two abductions.
• Protests erupted in 16 counties, with police reportedly using live ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons.
• The UN human rights office is calling for an investigation into the reported killings and alleged violations of international human rights law, including the use of force.
• The protests were triggered by police using lethal force to quell demonstrations in Nairobi and across the country.
• The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has repeatedly called for calm, restraint, and full respect for the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.
• The protests marked the 35th anniversary of the 1990 Saba Saba protests, which paved the way to multi-party democracy in Kenya.
• The UN human rights office stands ready to support national authorities in their efforts, including on the investigations.

Statistics:

• At least 10 protesters were killed and 29 people were injured, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
• 567 people were arrested, according to police reports.
• 37 people were arrested and two were abducted, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
• 16 counties were affected by the protests.
• 15 protesters were killed and hundreds of people were injured during demonstrations on 25 June in Nairobi and elsewhere.
• At least 60 deaths and dozens of alleged abductions occurred during anti-tax demonstrations last year.

Sources:

• OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani
• Kenyan police reports
• Kenya National Commission on Human Rights
• UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk
• UN human rights office press release