The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has expressed deep concern over the killing of at least 10 people during Monday’s anti-government protests in Kenya, calling for a thorough, independent investigation into the use of force by police.

According to OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani, Kenyan security forces deployed live ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons to disperse demonstrators in Nairobi and at least 16 other counties. The protests, which coincided with the 35th anniversary of the Saba Saba pro-democracy movement, were met with the strictest security measures yet, including roadblocks and the closure of most businesses.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported 10 fatalities, 29 injuries, and two abductions, while police cited 11 deaths, 52 injured officers, and 567 arrests.

The protests were sparked by public outrage over police brutality, including the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in custody last month and the close-range shooting of a civilian on June 17. On June 25, at least 19 people were killed and over 400 injured during nationwide demonstrations marking the anniversary of 2024’s anti-tax protests, which left more than 60 dead.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk reiterated his call for calm, restraint, and respect for the rights to peaceful assembly and expression, emphasizing that lethal force must only be used when strictly necessary to protect life.

The OHCHR said it stands ready to support Kenyan authorities in conducting transparent investigations and addressing the root causes of the unrest, including economic inequality, corruption, and systemic police violence.

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