Pressure mounts on state to end killings, violent protests

There is growing concern over the killings and violence that have been witnessed during the latest wave of protests in the country. 

Several organisations including a global human rights agency have joined the groups condemning the killings witnessed during anti-government protests.  

The UN Commission on Human Rights on Tuesday said it is "deeply troubled" by the recent killings during nationwide protests in Kenya, as well as looting and destruction of property.

Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani told journalists in Geneva that security officers responded to "violent" protests in Nairobi and other 16 counties with the use of lethal ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons.

"It is very concerning that these latest incidents come barely two weeks after 15 protesters were reportedly killed and many more injured in Nairobi and other parts of Kenya on 25 June," she said. 

Instead of repressing the people with violence and police brutality, the UN called on the government to address the issues raised by protestors.

"UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk renews his call for calm and restraint, and full respect for the freedoms of expression, association and peaceful assembly. It is essential that legitimate grievances at the root of these protests are addressed," she said. 

Shamdasani said the agency is committed to supporting the authorities in Kenya in addressing the challenges, including in the investigations, asserting that those responsible must be held to account. 

“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 use of force, to be promptly, thoroughly, independently and transparently investigated,” she said. 

Reports from Kenya National Commission on Human Rights indicate that at least 80 people have lost their lives to police brutality during the Gen Z-led protests since June last year. 

On Monday alone, at least more than 30 deaths were reported and scores of people injured during the Saba Saba demonstrations when citizens in about 17 counties took to the streets to mark the 35th anniversary of Kenya’s July 7, 1990 pro-democracy uprising dubbed Saba Saba. 

This followed the June 25, anniversary of anti-Finance Bill protests that left at least 19 dead and several others nursing gunshot wounds. Destruction of property and looting were also recorded during the demos. 

Locally, the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has condemned the loss of lives and violence witnessed across the country during the protests.  

In a press briefing on Tuesday, NCIC urged government leaders to listen to the concerns of the young Kenyans who they said "feel excluded, unheard and increasingly disillusioned." 

'"The unrest being experienced is a loud and painful signal of the growing discontent among our youth," said the NCIC chairman, Samuel Kobia. 

"Their frustration stems from high unemployment, economic hardship, lack of trust in institutions, limited opportunities, and a perceived failure of leadership to address their needs and aspirations,” he added.  

Kobia called for dialogue, saying there is a growing and resounding call to realise true economic freedom, not through conflict or division, but through peaceful, constructive, and inclusive approaches even as he condemned the brutal force with which the police control the protests. 

"All actors—whether state or non-state—must uphold the right to life, dignity, and peaceful assembly always," he said. 

Chief Justice Martha Koome also called on the law enforcement agencies to embrace professionalism during the protests and distinguish between peaceful demonstrators and criminal elements who exploit such gatherings to cause violence.

“Our country and our democratic fabric have come under strain through waves of public protests,” Justice Koome said.

“These moments have reminded us of the delicate balance that must be maintained between the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and protest and the imperative of people-centered, professional policing.”

She, however, observed that there have been acts of violence, looting, and destruction of property under the guise of public demonstrations and called on the public to exercise their right to protest peacefully without carrying arms and engaging in destruction, looting, or vandalism of public infrastructure. 

Former Chief Justice David Maraga also condemned the killing and maiming of unarmed civilians by police during the Saba Saba protests, calling the actions a culmination of “violent State repression” and a betrayal of Kenya’s constitutional values.

“Many had their lives cut short with bullets while others have been injured. The truth is, these young Kenyans are not alone. Their voices carry the pain of millions of Kenyans who are tired of where the country is heading,” said Maraga.

“Kenyans are tired of the violence, the collapsing economy, the poor healthcare and the failing education sector. A nation cannot stand when its people's backs are broken,” added the former CJ.

Maraga dismissed calls for dialogue as suggested by Raila Odinga saying that the problem the frustrations expressed by the people are as a result of failure of leadership, an institutional failure and not a constitutional deficit. 

“It is a failure that exposes the President's abdication of responsibility when his government oversees the weaponization of police and military against unarmed Kenyans,” Maraga asserted. 

The remarks come amid growing scrutiny of police over what is seen as misconduct during the youth-led demonstrations. Unnecessary killings of innocent protestors, unlawful detentions and abductions have been reported.