The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has condemned the use of excessive force by police officers during the Wednesday, June 25, protests.
In a statement on Thursday, June 26, OHCHR expressed concern over the deaths and injuries sustained by protestors during Wednesday's demonstrations.
The office noted that under international human rights law, lethal force can only be used by the security agencies to protect life or when preventing serious injury from an imminent threat.
“We are deeply concerned by reports of several deaths of protesters and many more injuries to protesters and police officers during demonstrations in Kenya on Wednesday.
“We are concerned by reports that some protesters had gunshot wounds. Under international human rights law, lethal force by law enforcement officers, such as firearms, should only be used when strictly necessary in order to protect life or prevent serious injury from an imminent threat,” read part of the statement.
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OHCHR also said the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression must be respected and upheld by the Kenyan government.
“The rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are cornerstones of the rule of law and must be respected and upheld by all,” OHCHR stated.
Further, OHCHR called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to carry out thorough and independent investigations on police officers involved in the shooting of protestors.
“We note the country’s Independent Policing Oversight Authority’s announcement that it will launch investigations.
“We underscore the importance of prompt, thorough, independent, and transparent investigations to bring those responsible to justice in accordance with due process and to prevent recurrence. We also reiterate calls for calm and restraint,” the office added.
OHCHR’s statement comes a day after Amnesty International revealed that at least 16 people were killed and over 400 injured during the June 25 demos.
“At least 16 lives lost and 400 injured in yesterday’s #June25th protests,” Amnesty International said in a statement.
