UN Bashes Kenya Police Over Killing Of 11 During Saba Saba Protests
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, described the killings as deeply troubling
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
The United Nations Human Rights Commission has condemned the Kenya Police over the deaths of 11 Kenyans during the Saba Saba Day protests on July 7 and called for swift and thorough investigations into the matter.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, described the killings as "deeply troubling" in a Tuesday, July 8 statement, noting they occurred just two weeks after 11 other protesters were killed during demonstrations on June 25.
Türk raised serious concerns about the use of live ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons against peaceful demonstrators in Nairobi and 16 other areas, emphasising that lethal force by police should only be used as a last resort to protect life from an immediate threat.
While denouncing police violence, Türk also expressed concern about incidents of looting and property destruction by individuals who, according to him, have yet to be identified by Kenyan authorities.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk. /CSIS
"We are deeply troubled by the killings yesterday of at least 10 people, as well as looting and destruction of property in Kenya, as police and other security forces responded to violent protests in the capital, Nairobi and at least 16 other counties. Lethal ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons were used," stated Türk.
"Police have reported that at least 11 people were killed, 52 police officers injured, and that 567 arrests were made. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported at least 10 fatalities, 29 injuries, 37 arrests and two abductions. We have also received reports of looting and damage to public and private property by unidentified individuals in multiple locations."
To prevent more loss of life, the High Commissioner urged immediate investigations and the arrest of all individuals responsible, stressing that such killings violate international human rights standards.
He also reaffirmed the Commission’s willingness to support President William Ruto’s government in addressing the criminal incidents that occurred during the Saba Saba Day protests.
"We note that the police have announced an investigation into earlier incidents. The High Commissioner repeats his call for all reported killings and other alleged violations and abuses of international human rights law, including with respect to the use of force, to be promptly, thoroughly, independently and transparently investigated. Those responsible must be held to account," added the statement.
"Under international human rights law, intentional lethal force by law enforcement officers, including with firearms, should only be used when strictly necessary to protect life from an imminent threat. Our Office stands ready to support the authorities in Kenya in addressing these challenges, including in the investigations."
The UN official's remarks follow the deadly July 7 demonstrations, which resulted in multiple fatalities and left over 52 police officers seriously injured.
Held across various regions of the country, the protests marked 35 years since Kenya’s 1990 push for multi-party democracy. However, what began as largely youth-led demonstrations quickly escalated into chaos, with violent clashes between police and protesters, resulting in deaths, property damage, and business looting.
In the aftermath, the National Police Service (NPS), through spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, issued a statement praising officers for showing restraint and maintaining professionalism during the unrest.
