UN CALLS FOR RESTRAINT AFTER DEADLY KENYA PROTESTS.

The UN human rights office (OHCHR) has expressed concern over the excessive use of force by law enforcement, following the anti-government protests in Kenya, stressing that lethal force should only be used when strictly necessary to protect life or prevent serious injury.

Deadly anti-government protests had rocked Kenya on Wednesday, leading to at least 16 deaths, with over 400 persons including police officers injured, and the demonstrations marked the anniversary of last year's anti-tax protests, which claimed 60 lives and sparked widespread outrage over police brutality and corruption.

This year's protests were fueled by public anger over the death of a blogger, Albert Ojwan, who died in police custody earlier this month.

Earlier, Kenyan Interior Minister, Kipchumba Murkomen, accused protesters of attempting to enact "regime change," claiming that nine police stations were attacked, dozens of vehicles destroyed, and five guns stolen.

OHCHR welcomed the announcement that Kenya's Independent Policing Oversight Authority will investigate the incidents, stressing the need for prompt, thorough, and transparent investigations to bring those responsible to justice.

The UN spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, echoed concerns over the violence, emphasizing that the UN is closely monitoring the situation and very saddened by the loss of life

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