UN Secretary-General issues statement after deadly protests in Kenya

United Nations (UN) Secretary-General António Guterres has raised concern over Tuesday’s protests that turned violent with protestors being killed.

In a statement via X on Wednesday, June 26, Guterres urged the Kenyan government led by President William Ruto to show restraint while calling for 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.

“I urge the Kenyan authorities to exercise restraint and call for all demonstrations to take place peacefully,” he stated.

This comes after hours President Ruto described Tuesday’s events including breach of parliament as treasonous, vowing to crack down on the organisers and financiers of the protests.

The Head of State said that the protests by young people were hijacked by dangerous criminals who caused loss to the Nation.

“As I assure the nation of the government’s determination to fulfill its constitutional duty of protecting the people of Kenya against all forms of harm, I hereby put on notice the planners, financiers, orchestrators, and abettors of violence and anarchy, that the security infrastructure established to protect our republic and its sovereignty, will be deployed to secure the country and restore normalcy,” Ruto affirmed.

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He added, “I assure Kenyans that we shall provide a full, effective, and expeditious response to today’s treasonous events.”

The anti-finance bill protests turned violent on Tuesday with several protestors being shot after they breached parliament buildings in Nairobi CBD.

Reports indicate that at least six people were killed while over 125 sustained injuries in the demos.

Prior to the demos, at least 10 people were abducted from their homes and streets by plain-clothed gunmen believed to be police officers.

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