By Antynet Ford
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has raised concerns over the violence witnessed during the anti-Finance Bill 2024 demonstrations in Kenya.
In his statement yesterday, Guterres urged the Kenyan government to allow peaceful demonstrations and cease further harm and killing of young Kenyans.
“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.” Guterres said.
“I urge the Kenyan authorities to exercise restraint, and call for all demonstrations to take place peacefully.” He added.
On his part, African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson Moussa Faki echoed the statement by Guterres urging stakeholders to exercise calm and welcome constructive dialogue to address the contentious issues that led to the protests.
“The Chairperson reiterates the total solidarity of the African Union with the Government and People of Kenya and exhorts them to maintain peace, security and stability in the country.” He said.
On Tuesday, an unconfirmed number of people were fatally shot during mass protests against the Finance Bill 2024 with many others left nursing gunshot wounds after Anti-Riot Police Unit (ATPU) officers opened live rounds of ammunition.
The Protesters breached Parliament buildings and vandalized the premises while the majority maintained that they were marching peacefully.
The Members of Parliament who were present were evacuated soon after the chaos erupted as countable bodies of the protesters were seen lying on Parliament Road.
In a late-night national address, President William Ruto described the breach of parliament as treasonous, vowing to crack down on the ‘organizers and financiers of the protests.
He said that it was inconceivable that :
“criminals posing as peaceful protesters” can terrorize people, elected representatives, and institutions and expect to get away with it.
“We must isolate crime from democratic expression and separate criminals from people exercising their freedom of expression and divergent opinion.” Ruto added.
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