UN calls on Kenya to probe deaths as protests continue

NAIROBI, July 14 (Xinhua) 

The UN Human Rights Office on Friday called on Kenyan authorities to investigate circumstances in which 23 people were killed and dozens of others injured in the demonstrations over the high cost of living.

Jeremy Laurence, the UN Human Rights Office spokesperson, expressed concern about the widespread violence, and allegations of unnecessary or disproportionate use of force, including the use of firearms, by police during protests in Kenya.

"We call for prompt, thorough, independent, and transparent investigations into the deaths and injuries. Those responsible must be held to account. Effective measures to prevent further deaths and injuries must be adopted," Laurence said in a statement.

The statement came as Azimio la Umoja (Resolution for Unity)-One Kenya Alliance Coalition announced Friday it would hold protests for three consecutive days from Wednesday to Friday next week.

The coalition said in a statement issued in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, that due to public demand, it had reviewed its earlier plan to have the protests only on Wednesday.

"Further to the communication issued yesterday (Thursday) on the Third Wave of peaceful protests scheduled to start on Wednesday next week, and following overwhelming requests from all sectors of the Kenyan Public for the need to intensify these demonstrations, the coalition hereby wishes to announce a revision of the calendar," it said.

The opposition's statement came despite a strong warning by Kenyan President William Ruto who has vowed not to tolerate the protests which has left property of unknown value destroyed.

Laurence, however, appealed for calm and encouraged open dialogue to address social, economic, and political grievances, to identify lasting solutions in the interests of all Kenyans.

In light of calls for further protests next week, Laurence called on the authorities to ensure the right to peaceful assembly as guaranteed by the Kenyan Constitution and international human rights law.

He said the policing of protests must seek to facilitate peaceful assemblies, and any use of force must be guided by the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality, and non-discrimination, adding that firearms should never be used to disperse protests.

The government, in a bid to raise more revenue to cut external borrowing, sought to implement various taxation measures among them increasing tax on fuel products from 8 percent to 16 percent and imposing a housing levy of 1.5 percent for all employed citizens.

While the High Court has temporarily blocked the new law or the Finance Act, the new fuel tax was implemented leading to an increase in commuter fare and prices of various basic commodities, which has worsened the plight of citizens.