The United Nations has called for calm and restraint in Kenya following violent anti-government protests on Wednesday that left hundreds injured and an undetermined number of people dead.
The protests, marking the one-year anniversary of the 2024 anti-tax demonstrations that resulted in at least 60 deaths, saw thousands of Kenyans return to the streets despite fears of police violence and pro-government militias. Activists and victims’ families had urged for peaceful gatherings to commemorate the storming of parliament last year—one of the deadliest days in Kenya’s recent history.
Clashes erupted again in Nairobi and other cities, with protesters targeting government buildings, police stations, and private businesses. Reports indicate that shops were looted and buildings set ablaze, as calls to occupy the presidential residence echoed through the streets.
According to local reports, at least 400 people were injured, including several police officers. While official fatality figures remain unconfirmed, estimates place the death toll between eight and sixteen.
Anger had been growing in the lead-up to the protests following the death of 31-year-old blogger Albert Ojwan, who died earlier this month while in police custody.
On Thursday, the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) issued a statement expressing deep concern over the use of live ammunition and lethal force. OHCHR emphasized that under international human rights law, lethal force by law enforcement should only be used when strictly necessary to protect life or prevent serious injury.
The UN welcomed the announcement that Kenya’s Independent Policing Oversight Authority will launch an investigation into the violence. OHCHR called for “prompt, thorough, independent, and transparent investigations” to ensure accountability and prevent future violations.
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric echoed these sentiments during a press briefing in New York, saying: “We are obviously concerned about the violence we have seen in Kenya. We are closely monitoring the situation and are very saddened by the loss of life.”
In response to the unrest, Kenya’s Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen accused protesters of attempting to force an unconstitutional regime change. He also reported that nine police stations were attacked, dozens of vehicles destroyed, and five firearms stolen during the riots.
