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photo collage of President William Ruto (left) and Secretary General to the United Nations Antonio Guterres.
The Secretary-General to the United Nations Antonio Guterres on Wednesday, June 26, faulted President William Ruto’s administration for using excessive force against peaceful protestors.
In a brief statement, the UN boss condemned the attacks, accusing the government of failing to protect its citizens while exercising their democratic rights.
According to Guterres, he was deeply saddened by the reports of deaths and injuries that resulted from the Tuesday demonstrations.
He further condemned the Kenyan security force for extending their rage on journalists and even medical personnel who were attending to those injured.
Following the tragic incident, Guterres directed the government to restrain from recklessly shooting peaceful demonstrators.
Guterres on the other hand called on demonstrators to protest peacefully.
“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,” read part of the UN Secretary General’s statement.
“I urge the Kenyan authorities to exercise restraint and call for all demonstrations to occur peacefully,” he added.
The UN Secretary-General through his spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric also called on investigations into the deaths of several demonstrators and that the people responsible be held to account.
Guterres’ statement comes hours after thirteen embassies condemned the government for ruthlessly handling the Anti-Finance Bill protestors.
The Britain, the USA, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Romania, and Belgium embassies accused Ruto’s administration of violating human rights after about 8 Kenyans were shot dead 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,” read part of the statement by the embassies.
“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.”
