The United Nations has voiced deep concern over the latest wave of deadly violence in Kenya following Saba Saba protests, urging the government to immediately investigate the killings and other violations linked to the nationwide unrest.

In a statement released from Geneva on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), through spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani, said it was deeply troubled by the killings of at least 10 people, as well as looting and destruction of property in Kenya as police and other security forces responded to violent protests.

According to the UN, police used lethal ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons against protesters in the capital, Nairobi, and at least 16 other counties.

“Police have reported that at least 11 people were killed, 52 police officers injured, and that 567 arrests were made,” the UN statement added, noting that figures from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) confirmed at least 10 fatalities, 29 injuries, 37 arrests, and two abductions.

The UN also cited disturbing reports of looting and destruction of public and private property carried out by unidentified individuals across multiple regions, adding to the already chaotic situation.

What has raised even more alarm, the UN said, is that these killings come just two weeks after at least 15 other protesters were reported killed during similar demonstrations held on June 25.

“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,” the UN said.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk renewed his call for calm and urged both restraint and full respect for the freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.

He also termed the situation ‘deeply disturbing’ and stressed that the root causes of the protests must be addressed without delay.

“We note that the police have announced an investigation into earlier incidents,” the UN said.

“The High Commissioner repeats his call for all reported killings and other alleged violations and abuses of international human rights law, including with respect to the use of force, to be promptly, thoroughly, independently, and transparently investigated. Those responsible must be held to account.”

The statement also reminded authorities that under international human rights law, intentional lethal force by law enforcement officers, including with firearms, should only be used when strictly necessary to protect life from an imminent threat.

The OHCHR concluded by expressing readiness to support the Kenyan authorities in confronting the crisis, especially in ensuring that investigations into the killings are conducted fairly and transparently.

“Our office stands ready to support the authorities in Kenya in addressing these challenges, including in the investigations,” the statement affirmed.