By Wilfridah Murenga
The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned the attacks of journalists and medical personnel who were attending to injured protestors during the anti-Finance Bill 2024 demonstrations in Kenya on Tuesday, June 25, 2024.
In a statement, Guterres conveyed his profound sadness over the reports of deaths and injuries.
“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.
The UN Chief has also called on the government to refrain from attacking peaceful demonstrators but instead advocate for all protests to be conducted peacefully.
“I urge the Kenyan authorities to exercise restraint, and call for all demonstrations to take place peacefully,” he added.
Africa Union Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat has also issued a statement condemning the outbreak of violence during the protest. He has urged all national stakeholders to actively participate in productive discussions to resolve the contentious matters that sparked the protests, with the utmost priority being the well-being of Kenya.
The Tuesday protests resulted in several youths losing their lives as law enforcement officers opened fire on the protestors who tried to breach the Parliament buildings soon after the lawmakers had passed the controversial Finance Bill 2024 to proceed to the next stage, hence injuring journalists who were covering the demonstration.
The protestors overpowered the police and managed to enter the parliament building destroyed furniture, and lowered flags as some lit a part of parliament on fire while others proceeded to break into the Senate House.
Members of Parliament fled to seek refuge inside underground Bunge tunnels.
Holy Family Basilica church where medics had put up tents to attend to injured protestors was also lobbed with tear gas by the police in an attempt to disperse the protestors.
Members of the clergy strongly criticized these actions, urging the police to fulfill their responsibilities with prudence and show respect towards sacred places such as places of worship.