Global bodies UN, AU condemn violence in Tuesday's anti-tax protests

Anti-Finance Bill protestors flee from Anti-riot police near Parliament buildings on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. [Collins Kweyu, Standard]

The United Nations has condemned the violence meted on protesters in Kenya during Tuesday's anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a statement, expressed concern over the violence, urging there be peaceful protests.

"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."

His remarks follow Tuesday's countrywide protests that saw hundreds injured and at least 13 people killed.

Guterres now wants police officers to exercise restraint and calls on the public to stage peaceful demonstrations if and when they take place.

Reiterating his remarks, UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said: "It is very important that the rights of people to demonstrate peacefully be upheld."

International communities have also condemned yesterday's acts of violence.

African Union Commission chairperson Moussa Faki also said he was concerned, urging all stakeholders to maintain calm and refrain from further violence.

Faki asked the government to engage in a dialogue so as to address the issues that led to the protest.

Ambassadors and High commissioners from countries including Britain, the US and Germany also echoed similar sentiments in a joint statement where they called for restraint on all sides.