The United Nations raises the death toll to 23 during the protests called by the Kenyan opposition
July 14 (EUROPA PRESS) –
The United Nations Human Rights Office has acknowledged this Friday that it is “very concerned” about the “incensary or disproportionate use of violence” against protesters in Kenya, where at least 23 deaths have already been confirmed in a series of anti-government protests.
“We call for prompt, thorough, independent and transparent investigations into the deaths and injuries. Those responsible must be held accountable. Effective measures must be taken to prevent further deaths and injuries,” said UN Human Rights Office spokesman Jeremy Laurence. .
Faced with the call for new protests starting next week, Laurence has urged the national authorities to guarantee the right of peaceful assembly, enshrined in the Kenyan Constitution and international law. “Firearms should never be used to disperse protests,” she added.
“We call for calm and encourage open dialogue to address social, economic and political grievances, with the aim of identifying lasting solutions in the interest of all Kenyans,” concluded the spokesperson for the United Nations Human Rights Office. it’s a statement.
Protests in recent days called by opposition leader Raila Odinga have shaken the capital, Nairobi, and other cities in the country, amid harsh repression by Kenyan security forces. Demonstrators protest the increase in fuel taxes.
Odinga himself said on Wednesday that “the nationwide protests are a clear message to the regime of (Kenyan President William) Ruto.” “The message is loud and clear: Kenyans are tired,” he said, before adding that “no one will move until Ruto shows a willingness to listen and respect” Kenyans.
Odinga, who was a former prime minister between 2008 and 2013 and who rejected Ruto’s victory in the August 2022 elections – which he ran with the support of the outgoing president, Uhuru Kenyatta -, made an appeal at the end of June to a campaign of civil disobedience in response to the increase in fuel taxes.
