The United Nations has raised alarm over the recent surge in deadly violence across Kenya in the wake of the Saba Saba protests, urging authorities to swiftly probe the killings and other reported human rights violations tied to the unrest.

In a statement issued from Geneva on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) expressed grave concern over the deaths of at least 10 people, as well as widespread reports of looting and destruction of property as security forces moved to contain protests that turned violent.

OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said the UN was particularly troubled by the use of excessive force, including live bullets, rubber rounds, tear gas, and water cannons, deployed against demonstrators in Nairobi and across at least 16 counties.

Citing reports from both police and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), the UN noted conflicting casualty figures, with authorities reporting 11 deaths, 52 officers injured, and 567 arrests, while KNCHR confirmed 10 deaths, 29 injuries, 37 arrests, and two abductions.

The UN further highlighted disturbing accounts of property vandalism and looting by unidentified individuals, which added to the volatile situation across various regions.

What has intensified concern, the agency noted, is that the fresh wave of violence follows the killing of at least 15 protesters during demonstrations on June 25 an indication of a troubling pattern.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk reiterated his appeal for restraint, urging the Kenyan government to uphold the rights to peaceful assembly, free expression, and association. He described the unfolding events as deeply unsettling and called for urgent attention to the root causes of public discontent.

While acknowledging police have announced investigations into previous incidents, the High Commissioner stressed the need for all reported killings and human rights violations to be independently, thoroughly, and transparently investigated. He emphasized that those responsible must be held accountable.

The UN also reminded Kenyan authorities that under international human rights law, the use of lethal force by law enforcement must be a measure of last resort, applied only when there is an imminent threat to life.

Concluding the statement, the OHCHR expressed willingness to work with the Kenyan government to help address the ongoing crisis, particularly in supporting impartial investigations into the deadly incidents.