CS Mutua blasts UN over claims of excessive force during anti-Gov't demos

Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua has hit out at the United Nations for suggesting that local authorities are using deadly force to stamp out anti-government demonstrations across the country.

This comes after UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Jeremy Laurence, on July 14, noted that the organization was “very concerned by the widespread violence, and allegations of unnecessary or disproportionate use of force, including the use of firearms, by police during the Azimio-led protests.”

In a rejoinder on Wednesday, CS Mutua labeled the UN statement as inaccurate and misleading propaganda designed to deny Kenyans their democratic freedom.

“This statement was not only inaccurate but misleading and appeared to have been written in support of a propaganda campaign by people opposed to the democratic will of the people,” said Mutua.

He added that his ministry has since protested to the office of the UN Human Rights Office Spokesperson over his statement which Mutua termed as unsubstantiated.

“We will be engaging through appropriate channels to ensure that the international community is not sucked into conspiracies that are aimed at destablising our nation,” said Mutua.

The CS correspondingly stated that acts of violence, chaos and destruction of property witnessed during the Azimio demos have been “politically instigated by known architects of violence” and not the ruling administration.

“Why is the UN Human Right Spokesperson blind to all these? Is that office fallen prey to propaganda and being used to lay ground for a smear campaign?” posed Mutua.

“Kenya is keeping a close eye on the current architects of the violence and looting experienced in the last couple of days and will take appropriate actions, consistent with our national and international obligations.”

The Foreign Affairs CS likewise urged Kenya’s international allies to thoroughly examine their facts and findings before making similar statements in the future.

He added that Kenya’s citizens will continue bearing the brunt of the demos until the State creates a secure and stable environment that is devoid of propaganda and political opportunism.