The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights expresses its deep concern and calls for prompt investigations into claims of “severe police repression”. Meanwhile, the Kenyan clergy urges the government and the opposition to prioritize dialogue over confrontation to reduce the risk of further violent clashes.
“Firearms should never be used to disperse protesters”, said Jeremy Lawrence, spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, in his statement.
Kenyan police are accused of using live ammunition to suppress July 12th protests. The council calls for the investigations opened to be concluded quickly.
The Kenyan clergy also came out of their reserve on Friday. “We fear that the growing sense of hopelessness could push the country towards instability and possibly violence”, reads a statement signed by the National Council of Churches and the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops.
They ask President Ruto to repeal this finance law that has crystallized the demonstrators’ anger, and the opposition should stop the demonstrations that risk further aggravating the country’s economic situation.
They also invite the opponent not to manipulate the opinion of Kenyans regarding this petition launched last week, which has been presented as a means of ousting William Ruto from power. However, the Kenyan Constitution stipulates that Parliament is the only body that can impeach a president.