Local, international actors denounce violence in Kenya's anti-tax protests

Various local and international organisations have condemned the violence and killings witnessed during Tuesday's anti-Finance Bill protests, among them the Media Council of Kenya (MCK), the Foreign Press Association Africa (FPAA), the UN, and a group of embassies.

In a statement, the MCK expressed deep concern over recurring incidents where journalists become casualties while performing their crucial duty of providing accurate information to the public.

"It is regrettable that journalists continue to pay a heavy price during these demonstrations, despite their sole role being to safeguard Kenyans' right to factual information about their country," the statement read.

The MCK called upon the Independent Police Oversight Authority (IPOA) and other constitutionally mandated bodies to swiftly investigate these attacks and ensure that those responsible face justice.

"We commend the media for their dedication in documenting and disseminating these pivotal moments in our nation's history, even amidst great personal risk. This dedication underscores the media's indispensable role in upholding democracy," the statement added.

The council further urged journalists and media workers to prioritise their safety during these challenging times.

"Journalists and media workers are reminded to exercise caution and ensure their safety remains paramount."

Thirteen embassies also criticised the government for how it handled the Occupy Parliament protestors.

In a joint statement, the embassies of Britain, the USA, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Romania, and Belgium accused the Kenya Kwanza administration of human rights violations following the fatal shooting of eight Kenyans outside Parliament buildings.

"All actors have the responsibility to respect, uphold, promote and fulfil the principles of democracy and the rule of law, particularly by ensuring a proportionate security response," they said.

"We are deeply concerned by the violence witnessed in many parts of the country during the recent protests and are especially shocked by the scenes witnessed outside the Kenyan Parliament."

The FPAA condemned what it termed the alarming and reprehensible actions of security forces during the protests in Nairobi.

In a statement, FPAA stated that the use of excessive force by police officers, particularly against journalists, represented a grave violation of fundamental human rights and press freedom.

It cited the case of AFP photojournalist Collins Olunga, who was "egregiously targeted and injured by the police."

"Despite clearly identifying himself as a journalist, Olunga was deliberately struck by a tear gas canister aimed directly at him from close range, resulting in a severe hand injury."

In addition, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres faulted the government for using excessive force against peaceful protestors. In a statement, he accused the government of failing to protect its citizens while exercising their democratic rights.

"I am deeply saddened by the reports of deaths and injuries including of journalists and medical personnel connected to protests and street demonstrations in Kenya," he said. "I urge the Kenyan authorities to exercise restraint and call for all demonstrations to occur peacefully."

He also called for investigations into the deaths of demonstrators and for the killers to be held to account.