UN urges restraint in Kenya as fresh protests turn deadly

The UN human rights office has expressed deep concern over the killing of at least ten protesters in Kenya.
The protesters were killed on Monday, amid reports that police and security forces used lethal force to quell violent demonstrations in Nairobi and across the country.
OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani cited Kenyan police reports of at least 11 deaths, 52 injured police officers, and 567 arrests, while the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported slightly different figures: 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.
Ms Shamdasani also noted reports of looting and destruction of public and private property in several locations.
This week’s violence follows the deaths of 15 protesters and hundreds of injuries during demonstrations on June 25 in Nairobi and elsewhere. Those protests were initially triggered by the anniversary of the 2024 anti-tax demonstrations, which left at least 60 deaths and dozens allegedly abducted by the police.
The protests on Monday marked the 35th anniversary of the 1990 Saba Saba protests, which paved the way to multi-party democracy in Kenya.
Ms Shamdasani said UN high commissioner for human rights Volker Türk “repeats his call for all reported killings and other alleged violations and abuses of international human rights law, including with respect to use of force, to be promptly, thoroughly, independently and transparently investigated.”
She noted that the Kenyan police had announced an investigation into the June 25 incidents and added that the UN human rights office stands ready to support national authorities in their efforts, including investigations.
She stressed that under international law, law enforcement may only use lethal force when strictly necessary to protect life from an imminent threat.
Mr Türk also renewed his call for calm, restraint, and full respect for the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.
“It is essential that legitimate grievances at the root of these protests are addressed,” Ms Shamdasani said.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette

Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Politics
Tinubu regime desperate, afraid of ADC coalition: Atiku
Mr Abubakar explained that “no amount of propaganda, planted stories, or faceless briefings will fracture the resolve of the opposition coalition”.

Opinion
Rudolf Okonkwo: Peter Obi is stuck—so is Nigeria
Unless there’s a major bombshell in the next two years, Nigerians will likely head into a 2027 election with Peter Obi on one side and Bola Tinubu on the other.

Diaspora
U.S. to revoke green cards of Nigerians, others with criminal history
“Attention Green Card Holders: Having a criminal history does not make you an upstanding lawful permanent resident,” the CBP stated.

Opinion
Danger of the single story
How do we get to Gusau, knowing what we know, I asked ChatGPT. Response: Don’t go except it’s essential.

Anti-Corruption
NAFDAC busts Lagos firm dealing in N1 billion fake chemicals, expired food flavours
“If an expired chemical is used, it is impossible to get a safe or effective final product, making it a serious health risk,” Mr Iluyomade stated.

Opinion
The day after Peter Obi’s one-term ADC presidency
Nigerians should reflect carefully on the implications of Obi potentially selecting Nasir el-Rufai as his running mate.