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UN, AU ring alarm bells on Kenyan violence, urge government to exercise restraint

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. (Photo: UN)

By Mwangi Maina | Wednesday, June 26, 2024

AUC Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat also shared his "deep concern over the outbreaks of violence following public protests, which has resulted in loss of life and property damage," after police fired live rounds at protestors.

Reactions from the international community continue pouring in the wake of Tuesday's chaotic day of protest that left scores dead, hundreds of others injured and millions worth of property destroyed.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was "deeply concerned" by the deadly violence rocking Kenya following anti-tax protests, his spokesman said Tuesday, describing him as "saddened" by reports of fatalities.

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"(The) Secretary-General is obviously deeply concerned over the reported violence that we've seen connected with these protests and street demonstrations," spokesman Stephane Dujarric said at a briefing on Tuesday.

"He's very much saddened by the reports of deaths and injuries, including journalists and medical personnel."

The chairperson of the African Union Commission on Tuesday expressed "deep concern" after anti-tax protests in Kenya turned deadly, urging the country to "exercise calm and refrain from further violence."

Anti-Finance Bill protestors kneel amid a crowd of teargas in the Nairobi CBD on June 25, 2024. (Photo: Hafsa Hassan)

Moussa Faki Mahamat, in a statement, shared his "deep concern over the outbreaks of violence following public protests, which has resulted in loss of life and property damage," after police fired live rounds at protestors who later stormed and ransacked Kenya's parliament.

Alternative measures

The continental body, through the African Union Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, reminded the Kenyan government last Tuesday that "peaceful protest is protected under the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights" and urged it to explore "alternative measures to alleviate the financial burden on ordinary citizens."

The African Union Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights has also called on President William Ruto's government to immediately release "individuals arrested for participating in peaceful protests, with utmost respect for due process of the law under Article 7 of the African Charter."

President Ruto in his address to the nation on Tuesday evening issued a stern warning to those allegedly behind the chaos that erupted during the anti-Finance Bill protest.

He stated that while the protests by Gen Zs were peaceful, they were hijacked by criminal elements. The President reaffirmed the government's commitment to fulfilling its constitutional obligation to safeguard the nation's security and maintain order.

A police officer pursues protesters outside the Supreme Court in Nairobi on June 25, 2024, during demonstrations against the Finance Bill. (Photo: Justine Ondieki/EV)

"We will not tolerate any form of lawlessness. The government will uphold its constitutional mandate to protect the nation," he said in his national address on Tuesday night.

He said that he will continue to lead a government that is fully committed to protecting the sovereignty of the country and protecting lives.

"The country shall treat every threat to the state as an existential danger to Kenya's security. The government will provide a swift, full and effective response to today's treasonous event," Ruto said.

Before his address, Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale had announced the deployment of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to support the National Police Service in managing ongoing demonstrations.

According to a gazette notice issued on Tuesday evening, the decision was made in response to a security emergency caused by violent protests in various parts of the country, resulting in destruction and breaching of critical infrastructure.