UN Demands Probe Into Kenya Protest Deaths

Kenya has experienced a surge in deadly police violence during mass anti-government protests, with at least 10-15 protesters killed and numerous others injured or arrested. Public outrage has grown following the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in police custody, which is seen as part of a broader crackdown on government critics. The United Nations and human rights organizations have condemned the use of lethal force and called for prompt, transparent investigations into all reported killings and abuses. UN officials emphasized that lethal force should only be used when absolutely necessary to protect life and urged respect for freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly. The protests, driven by grievances over tax hikes and governance, have also involved incidents of looting and property destruction. Kenyan authorities have promised investigations, while rights groups stress the need to address the deeper causes of the unrest.