The United Nations Human Rights Office has expressed concern over the excess force used by police officers towards protestors during Azimio demonstrations.
In a statement to newsrooms on Friday, July 14, UN Human Rights Spokesperson Jeremy Laurence called for investigations into the deaths that were reported during the demonstrations.
"The UN Human Rights Office is very concerned by the widespread violence, and allegations of unnecessary or disproportionate use of force, including the use of firearms, by police during protests in Kenya. Reports say up to 23 people have been killed and dozens injured in the demonstrations in the past week.
"We call for prompt, thorough, independent, and transparent investigations into the deaths and injuries. Those responsible must be held to account. Effective measures to prevent further deaths and injuries must be adopted," part of the statement read.
The United Nations urged police officers to ensure the right to peaceful assembly as guaranteed by the Kenyan Constitution and international human rights law.
Read More
"The policing of protests must seek to facilitate peaceful assemblies, and any use of force must be guided by the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality, and non-discrimination. Firearms should never be used to disperse protests," Laurence said.
The statement comes hours after the Azimio coalition led by Raila Odinga announced they would hold continuous protests from next week.
“Third Wave of peaceful protests scheduled to start on Wednesday next week, and following overwhelming requests from all sectors of the Kenyan Public for the need to intensify these demonstrations, the Coalition hereby wishes to announce a revision of the calendar.
“Going forward, the peaceful protests will now be held on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday next week, in line with requests from the public to include three days of activity,” Azimio said in a statement.
At the same time, Kenyan through Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Korir Sing'Oei has responded to the United Nations saying that the reckless mobilization of lawless gangs must receive equal condemnation.
"While regretting & decrying the unfortunate loss of life or injury, the reckless mobilization of lawless gangs to loot, destroy property, disrupt business, deprive many of means of livelihood and create an environment of disorder, must receive equal condemnation," Sing'Oei stated.
