The United Nations has issued a damning condemnation of the Kenyan government following the killing of 11 protesters during the Saba Saba Day demonstrations on July 7, sparking fresh outrage both locally and globally.
In a statement delivered Tuesday afternoon, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk described the deaths as “deeply troubling,” especially given that they follow the June 25 protests, where 11 more demonstrators reportedly lost their lives.
The Saba Saba Day protests, marking 35 years since the historic 1990 movement that demanded Kenya’s transition to multi-party democracy, were mostly youth-led and held in Nairobi and 16 other regions. The day, which was meant to honor democratic resilience, instead descended into bloodshed, chaos, and the use of brutal police force.
The UN statement questioned the tactics used by law enforcement, which included live ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons against what many eyewitnesses described as peaceful demonstrators.
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According to Türk, lethal force should only be used as a last resort, specifically when protecting life from an imminent threat.
“We are deeply troubled by the killings yesterday of at least 10 people, as well as the destruction of property in Kenya, as police responded to violent protests,” Türk said, adding that the UN is ready to assist the Kenyan government in holding those responsible accountable.
The situation is made worse by the growing number of injured: over 52 police officers are reported to be nursing serious wounds, highlighting how violent the standoff became. While condemning police brutality, Türk also noted concern about looting and property destruction, allegedly carried out by unidentified individuals amid the chaos.
Despite the carnage, the National Police Service (NPS) released a post-protest statement lauding its officers for their “professionalism and restraint.” The remark sparked a wave of criticism online and among rights groups, many of whom accuse the police of systematically violating basic civil rights.
As anger simmers across the country, the UN is now demanding a full, transparent, and independent investigation into the deaths, and urging that those found culpable face justice. The killings are considered a direct violation of international human rights laws, and the global body has expressed readiness to support President William Ruto’s administration in expediting prosecution of those responsible for the deadly crackdown.
With tensions rising and international scrutiny intensifying, Kenya stands at a crossroads. The legacy of Saba Saba, a symbol of resistance and democratic aspiration, now hangs in the balance, tainted by bloodshed and unanswered cries for justice.
