The United Nations has expressed deep concern over the violent anti-government protests that erupted across Kenya on Wednesday, urging all parties to exercise restraint.
The protests, which turned deadly, left at least 400 people injured, including members of the police.
Although the exact number of fatalities remains unclear, reports suggest that between eight and 16 people may have died.
The unrest coincided with the anniversary of the 2024 anti-tax demonstrations, during which around 60 people were allegedly killed and many others abducted.
Tensions escalated further this year following the death of 31-year-old blogger, Albert Ojwan, who reportedly died in police custody earlier this month.
Protesters in Nairobi reportedly stormed government buildings and police offices, called for a takeover of the presidential residence, and vandalized and looted businesses.
Several shops were set ablaze, leaving parts of the capital engulfed in smoke by Thursday morning.
In response, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) released a statement voicing alarm over reports that some demonstrators had been shot.
The office emphasized that under international law, lethal force by security personnel is only justified when absolutely necessary to protect lives or prevent serious harm.
The OHCHR welcomed the Kenyan government’s decision to initiate investigations through the Independent Policing Oversight Authority, stressing the importance of transparent and impartial inquiries that can hold those responsible accountable and deter future violations.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, speaking at the daily briefing in New York, echoed these concerns.
“We are closely monitoring the developments in Kenya and are deeply saddened by the loss of life,” he said, adding support for the investigations and underscoring the need for calm.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen addressed the media, accusing protesters of attempting to force an unconstitutional change of government.
He reported that nine police stations were targeted, several vehicles were damaged, and five firearms were stolen during the chaos.
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