UN Slams Ruto Administration Over Protester Killings, Demands Probe Into Police Brutality
The United Nations Human Rights Commission has sharply criticised the Kenyan government following the alleged fatal shooting of protesters during the nationwide demonstrations held on Wednesday, June 25. In a strongly worded statement released on Thursday, June 26, the UN described the police’s use of lethal force as “deeply concerning” and a clear violation of both international human rights law and Kenya’s own Constitution.
The protests, which marked the anniversary of the fatal police crackdown on youthful demonstrators outside Parliament in 2023, saw thousands of Kenyans pour into the streets in what began as a peaceful show of resistance.
However, events quickly spiraled into chaos. According to local reports, over 16 people were killed, with dozens more injured, including both protesters and police officers. Eyewitnesses and human rights organisations have pointed to aggressive and excessive force used by law enforcement in various parts of the country.
In its statement, the UN reaffirmed that the use of firearms by police should be considered a last resort, only justified when strictly necessary to protect life or prevent serious injury from an imminent threat.
“We are deeply concerned by reports of several deaths of protesters and many more injuries… The rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are cornerstones of the rule of law and must be respected and upheld by all,” the statement read.
The international body further criticised President William Ruto’s administration for its apparent attempts to suppress lawful demonstrations, stating that these actions directly contradict constitutional guarantees under Article 37, which protects the right to peaceful assembly.
Calling for urgent accountability, the UN urged the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to launch a thorough, independent, and transparent investigation into all reported incidents of police brutality. It also called for the swift prosecution of any officers found to have acted unlawfully, to uphold justice and deter future abuse.
The UN’s condemnation adds international pressure on the Kenyan government, which is already facing growing domestic unrest and calls for reform in how public dissent is handled. With Kenya’s civic space appearing to shrink, global scrutiny is now firmly fixed on the government’s response in the coming days.
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