OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani/UN MULTIMEDIAAt least 10 people were killed and several others injured as police responded to protests in Nairobi and at least 16 other counties.
The statement by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, released Tuesday, came shortly after Kenyan youth activist Faridah Ally questioned the UN's silence during a session in Switzerland.
Faridah challenged the UN to speak up on the situation unfolding in Kenya and urged action in support of victims of police brutality.
Following her remarks, the UN responded through its spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani, who said, “We are deeply troubled by the killings yesterday of at least 10 people, as well as looting and destruction of property in Kenya.”
She noted that police and other security forces used “lethal ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons” to disperse protesters.
Police said 11 people were killed and 52 police officers injured in the clashes. They also reported 567 arrests.
On the other hand, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported at least 10 fatalities, 29 injuries, 37 arrests and two abductions.
The protests, which turned violent, also saw private and public property damaged.
“We have also received reports of looting and damage to public and private property by unidentified individuals in multiple locations,” Shamdasani said.
The UN said it was alarming that the violence comes just two weeks after similar unrest.
On June 25, 15 protesters were reportedly killed and many more injured during demonstrations in Nairobi and other parts of the country.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk also renewed his call for calm and respect for human rights.
“He renews his call for calm and restraint, and full respect for the freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly,” the statement said.
The UN said addressing the concerns behind the protests is important.
“It is essential that legitimate grievances at the root of these protests are addressed,” Shamdasani said.
She noted that police have already announced investigations into earlier incidents.
The High Commissioner urged that all violations of human rights be fully investigated.
“The High Commissioner 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,” the statement said.
“Those responsible must be held to account.”
The UN reminded the government that under international human rights law, police can only use lethal force to protect life when there is an imminent threat.
“Intentional lethal force by law enforcement officers, including with firearms, should only be used when strictly necessary to protect life from an imminent threat,” Shamdasani said.
The UN said it is ready to help Kenya respond to the crisis.
“Our office stands ready to support the authorities in Kenya in addressing these challenges, including in the investigations,” the statement said.
