UN rights chief urges restraint to facilitate rights to peaceful assembly in Kenya

The UN human rights chief said on Thursday he was saddened by the outbreak of violence during protests against tax hikes in Kenya, urging restraint.

"Saddened by recent deaths and injuries in the context of protests, UN human rights chief Volker Turk urges restraint to facilitate the rights to peaceful assembly and expression, and dialogue to listen to the voices of young people," the human rights office said on X.

"Investigations and accountability essential," Turk stressed.

Protesters stormed the parliament in Nairobi after Finance Bill 2024, which increased taxes and thus cost of living, was passed by lawmakers on Tuesday. Police allegedly fired live ammunition at the demonstrators and several people were killed.

President William Ruto Ruto bowed to public pressure and decided not to sign the controversial legislation, sending it back to parliament for amendment.