Kenya protests: Will the Ruto administration yield to the plea of the United Nations Commission of Human rights?

By Imali Ngusale

The human rights office spokesman Jeremy Laurence calls for prompt, thorough, independent and transparent investigations into the deaths and injuries related to the angry maandamano (protests) that have been taking place in several Kenyan cities.

In a statement released by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights, Laurence said that those responsible for the deaths and injuries of innocent civilians need to be brought to book.

His proposals come at the result of politically driven protests that have left many Kenyans leaving in uncertainity.

As this ensues, the opposition has vowed to continue with the protests until the Kenya Kwanza (Kenya First) administration of William Ruto, heeds to the demands of the citizens.

Speaking at a popular media station, Edwin Sifuna, the current Nairobi Senator, said that the protests in Kenya were held legally and were guaranteed by the Kenyan Constitution and international human rights law. Sifuna also stated that the protests would continue for three consecutive days from the 17th to 19th of July unless Ruto “listens and respects the people’s voices.”

Sifuna vowed to intensify the anti-government protests even though the police had earlier responded with brutal force.

Meanwhile four families in the Nairobi suburbs (two in Mlolongo, two in Kitengela), and one in Emali – a region in Makueni county, are mourning the deaths of their loved ones. More than ten Kenyans are currently nursing gunshot wounds. Worse still, 50 pupils from the New Kihumbuni primary school near Nairobi, are recovering from respiratory infections emanating from the teargas lobbed by the police into their classrooms during the protests.

According to Aron Shikuku, the owner of the Eagle Nursing Home hospital, over 50 learners were brought to his hospital in ambulances.

Elsewhere, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Administration of National Government, Kithuri Kindiki condemned the protests and warned all parties involved.

“This culture of impunity must stop,” said Kindiki, “anyone participating in the protests will be arrested.” “Our government has mobilized law enforcers to arrest and prosecute all those engaged in the Maandamano protests,” added Kindiki. Additionally, Transport Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Onesimus Murkomen warned, “we cannot normalize violence, lawlessness and vandalism in the pretext of exercising political rights.” Murkomen asserted Professor Kindiki’s conviction and said that the government will not tolerate violent protest.

Imali Ngusale is a prolific African journalist and writer passionate about amplifying pan-African stories on development, politics, socio-eeconomic and climate Justice with a bias on feminism and gender justice. She currently works as a communication officer and knowledge expert at the African Women’s Development and Communication Network.