The United Nations Human Rights Office has raised concerns over the escalating chaos and claims of use of excessive force by Kenyan police officers during opposition demos probed.

In a statement, UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Jeremy Laurence said reports show that up to 23 Kenyans have been killed and many more wounded in demos in the last week.

“The UN Human Rights Office is very concerned by the widespread violence, and allegations of unnecessary or disproportionate use of force, including the use of firearms, by police during protests in Kenya,” said Laurence in the statement.

In that regard, the UN human rights defender has called for speedy, exhaustive and autonomous investigations into the deaths and injuries and those culpable prosecuted.

“We call for prompt, thorough, independent and transparent investigations into the deaths and injuries.

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“Those responsible must be held to account. Effective measures to prevent further deaths and injuries must be adopted.”

On Azimio demos set for next Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Laurence urged Kenya to respect rights of its citizens to assemble peacefully based on local and international law.

“In light of calls for further protests next week, we call on the authorities to ensure the right to peaceful assembly as guaranteed by the Kenyan Constitution and international human rights law,” noted Laurence.

The UN Human Rights Office appealed to the Kenyan police to observe the law when dealing with peaceful protesters and warned officers against using firearms to deal with protesters.

“The policing of protests must seek to facilitate peaceful assemblies, and any use of force must be guided by the principles of legality, necessity, proportionality and non-discrimination.

“Firearms should never be used to disperse protests.”

UN Human Rights office urged Kenyans to embrace peace and dialogue to tackle its social, economic and political grievances to find lasting solutions in the best interest of all Kenyans.