UDA accuses UN office of not recognising role of opposition in anti-Gov't demos

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has faulted the United Nations for allegedly failing to acknowledge and condemn the role the opposition has played in organising anti-government demonstrations which have been marked  by violence, looting, and destruction of property.

UDA’s statement 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 protests.”

In a statement to newsrooms, UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala said the UN OHCHR spokesperson allegedly failed to contextualize the situation on the ground before issuing the statement.

“The statement fails to condemn the opposition for resorting to violence after losing at the ballot box in a free and fair election, and thereafter losing an election petition before the Supreme Court. The UN OHCHR should be wary of being misused by politicians for their own purposes,” Malala said in the statement seen by Citizen Digital.

Malala added that the UN’s failure to criticize the opposition's rejection of legitimate election results and judicial processes could be perceived as the body implying that the principles of free and fair elections and impartial resolution of election disputes are insignificant.

 “The Kenya Kwanza Coalition is committed to ensuring that its administration will continue to ensure fidelity to the Bill of Rights and the democratic principles and values that are the lifeblood of the Constitution of Kenya,” said Malala.

“In doing so, we will ensure that every Kenyan who wishes to peacefully protest, picket or petition can do so safely and securely; and in a manner that does not infringe on the health, safety, and enjoyment of the rights of others.”

On Wednesday, Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua also took a swipe at the United Nations following the UN Human Rights Office statement.

Mutua labeled the UN statement as "inaccurate and misleading propaganda designed to deny Kenyans their democratic freedom".

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