UN Finally Breaks Silence On Saba Saba Protests, Condemns Police Brutality
The United Nations Human Rights Commission has urged an immediate and thorough investigation into the deaths of 11 Kenyans during the Saba Saba Day demonstrations on July 7.
In a statement issued on Tuesday afternoon, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk described yesterday’s killings as ‘extremely troubling’, noting that they occurred barely a fortnight after the deaths of 11 other demonstrators during the June 25 demonstrations.
In particular, Türk raised worries about the deployment of fatal weapons, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons against nonviolent protestors in Nairobi and 16 other areas.
According to him, police officers should only use lethal force when absolutely necessary to preserve lives from an impending threat.
While denouncing police brutality, Türk expressed concern about looting and property destruction by persons who, he claimed, had not yet been identified by Kenyan law enforcement authorities.
#Kenya: We are deeply troubled by the killings yesterday of at least 10 people in protests amid looting and destruction of property.@volker_turk urges prompt, thorough, independent & transparent investigations. Those responsible must be held to account.
— UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) July 8, 2025
“We are deeply troubled by the killings yesterday of at least 10 people, as well as the destruction of property in Kenya, as police responded to violent protests in the capital Nairobi and at least 16 other regions,” Türk commented.
“It is very concerning that these latest incidents come barely two weeks after 15 protesters were reportedly killed and many more injured in Nairobi and other parts of Kenya on 25 June,” he added.
To prevent more deaths, the High Commissioner ordered swift investigations and the arrest of all individuals responsible.
He noted that such murders violated international human rights legislation.
He also expressed the Commission’s willingness to support President William Ruto’s administration in pursuing criminal charges during the Saba Saba Day demonstrations.
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The UN Commissioner’s statement comes in the aftermath of yesterday’s protests, which killed three Kenyans and left more than 52 police officers critically injured.
The protests, which took place around the country, commemorated the 35th anniversary of the fight for Kenya’s multi-party democracy, which occurred on July 7, 1990.
However, the rallies, which were predominantly attended by young Kenyans, descended into chaos when police officers clashed with demonstrators, resulting in deaths, property destruction, and business looting.
Moments after the protests, the National Police Service (NPS), through Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, issued a statement praising its personnel for their restraint and professionalism.
UN Finally Breaks Silence On Saba Saba Protests, Condemns Police Brutality
