UN is "very concerned" over the rampant police brutality during Kenyan protests

In a news statement on Friday, Jeremy Laurence, a spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office, stated that "reports say up to 23 people have been killed and dozens have been injured in the demonstrations in the past week."

"Prompt, exhaustive, independent, and transparent investigations into the deaths and injuries," Laurence said. It is necessary to hold those accountable. Adopting effective actions to stop additional fatalities and injuries is necessary.

We urge the authorities to uphold the right to peaceful assembly as protected by the Kenyan Constitution and international human rights law in light of calls for additional protests the following week.

Any use of force must be justified by the criteria of legality, necessity, proportionality, and non-discrimination. Police must work to promote peaceful protests. Laurence advised against ever dispersing protests with firearms.

In order to find long-term solutions that would benefit all Kenyans, Laurence also pleaded for "calm and encouraged open dialogue to address social, economic, and political grievances."

Over a number of contentious tax increases that the national government has proposed, protests have erupted in Kenya.

Former prime minister and head of the opposition in Kenya, Raila Odinga, has led calls for rallies over the price rises.

Odinga lost the election in August of last year, and he now leads civil disobedience demonstrations against his political adversary because he thinks the results were rigged.

The Finance Act 2023, promoted by President William Ruto as a way to strengthen national finances and boost domestic revenue, has been temporarily blocked by a Kenyan court.
The cost of transportation and basic products has soared as a result of the Ruto government disobeying the court ruling and raising gasoline taxes.