The United Nations (UN) has expressed deep concerns over the escalating anti-government protests, which have left dozens dead and many more injured in recent weeks.

This is amid reports that police and security forces have been using lethal force to quell violent demonstrations in Nairobi and across the country.

The Monday, July 7 demonstrations marked the 35th anniversary of the 1990 Saba Saba protests, which paved the way to multi-party democracy in Kenya. 

Actively monitoring the incidents related to July 7, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported 31 deaths, 107 injuries, two enforced disappearances, 535 arrests, and the destruction of an unknown value of property.  These protests had, however, initially been triggered by the anniversary of June 2024 anti-government demonstrations, which left at least 60 dead and dozens reportedly abducted by the police.

These events have put the country and its democratic fabric under strain. The death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang’ while in police custody in June fuelled anger among Kenyans. The rising economic challenges, which have fanned the flames as youth unemployment and the quality of jobs remain significant concerns, have fanned the flames.  

The demonstrators have reportedly been targeting government and police officers. They have been calling for the occupation of the State House, looting and burning shops and businesses in Nairobi and other towns across the country.

On July 9, President William Ruto said the anti-government protests have been politically motivated, accusing his rivals of wanting to overthrow his government. He stated that he would not allow anarchy.

In addition, the President directed police to “shoot in the leg” the people involved in the destruction of property. He echoed remarks made by Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who, a week earlier, urged police to “shoot on sight” anyone approaching police stations during protests.

Chief Justice Martha Koome pointed out that such moments have reminded the country of the deliberate balance that must be maintained between the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and protests, and the imperative of people-centred professional policing.

“On one hand, members of the public must exercise their rights to protest peacefully, without carrying arms, and without engaging in acts of destruction, looting, or vandalism of public infrastructure such as government buildings and court infrastructure, or private businesses,” the Chief Justice said.

Under international law, law enforcement may only use lethal force when strictly necessary to protect life from an imminent threat. The Chief Justice noted that police must respond with restraint, proportionality, and strict adherence to human rights standards, avoiding actions that could cause unnecessary harm or loss of life.

“It is also incumbent upon the police to distinguish between peaceful demonstrators and criminal elements – those who infiltrate protests to incite violence and loot, and to apprehend and process such individuals through the justice system,” she added.

At the global level, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has been monitoring the situation.

OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said that UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, “repeats his call for all reported killings and other alleged violations and abuses of international human rights law, including use of force, to be promptly, thoroughly, independently and transparently investigated.”  

OHCHR called for calm, restraint, and respect for the rights to freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. “It is essential that legitimate grievances at the root of these protests are addressed,” said Shamdasani.  

The National Police Service (NPS) and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) have since announced that they are investigating the incidents. The OHCHR has offered its support to national authorities in their efforts, including investigations.