Protests turned violent in Kenya as angry crowds clashed with police across parts of Nairobi.
The United Nations is worried about deaths and injuries, calling for calm and investigations.
The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in Kenya following widespread anti-government protests that erupted on Wednesday. The protests, which turned deadly, were marked by chaos and unrest across various parts of the capital, Nairobi, as demonstrators clashed with police and security forces.
According to reports, at least 400 people were injured during the demonstrations, including members of the police. However, there is no official confirmation of the total number of deaths. Various sources estimate the fatalities to range from eight to 16, but a conclusive figure is still pending.
This wave of demonstrations coincided with the anniversary of the 2024 anti-tax protests, a tragic event that claimed the lives of at least 60 people and reportedly led to the abduction of several protesters by law enforcement. The current unrest has been fueled by growing public anger, particularly following the recent death of 31-year-old blogger and activist Albert Ojwan, who allegedly died while in police custody earlier this month.
Protesters took to the streets demanding justice and calling for a change in government. Eyewitnesses reported that government buildings and police offices were targeted, while some demonstrators attempted to breach the presidential residence. In Nairobi’s central business district, shops and private businesses were looted and set ablaze, leaving behind smoke and debris as the city reeled from the aftermath.
In response to the growing crisis, the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) issued a formal statement on Thursday expressing concern over the use of excessive force by Kenyan security agencies. The agency noted reports indicating that several protesters had suffered fatal or life-threatening gunshot wounds. OHCHR reminded the Kenyan authorities that, under international human rights law, lethal force must only be used as a last resort specifically when there is an imminent threat to life or a severe risk of injury.
The agency welcomed the announcement by the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate the incidents and emphasized the need for swift, impartial, and transparent inquiries. OHCHR further called on Kenyan authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable in order to prevent such violence from reoccurring.
Speaking at the UN’s daily briefing in New York, spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric echoed the OHCHR’s concerns. “We are obviously concerned about the violence we have seen in Kenya. We are closely monitoring the situation. We are very saddened by the loss of life,” he stated.
Dujarric also reiterated the UN’s demand for investigations into the reported use of live ammunition against civilians and welcomed efforts by oversight bodies to ensure transparency and justice.
Meanwhile, in a press briefing of his own, Kenya’s Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen condemned the protests, accusing demonstrators of attempting to carry out an unconstitutional “regime change.” He revealed that nine police stations were attacked during the riots, dozens of police and government vehicles were destroyed, and five firearms were reportedly stolen.
As tensions remain high, the international community continues to watch Kenya’s situation closely, urging restraint from both security forces and protesters in order to restore peace and uphold human rights.
