The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has condemned the recent use of excessive force by police officers during the June 25 protests.
In a statement issued on June 26, OHCHR expressed concern over the deaths and injuries sustained by protestors during demonstrations.
The office noted that under international human rights law, lethal force can only be used by the security agencies to protect life or when preventing serious injury from an imminent threat.
OHCHR condemns the excess use of force by Kenyan police during the June 25th protests. Photo: Courtesy.
OHCHR also noted that the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression must be respected and upheld by the Kenyan government.
OHCHR further called on the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to carry out independent investigations on police officers involved in the shooting of protestors.
The statement comes a day after reports revealed that at least 16 people were killed and over 400 injured during the June 25 demos.
According to interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen, out of the 400 injured 300 were police officers and 100 civilians.
