UDA Caution UN on ‘Biased’ Protest Assessments
The United Democratic Party (UDA) of President William Ruto has warned the United Nations against issuing ‘biased’ analyses of the ongoing anti-government demonstrations.
In a statement dated Saturday, July 22, and signed by the party’s Secretary General, Cleophas Malala, UDA claimed that the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights made an error by publishing an assessment without understanding the complete context of the protests.
Malala cautioned that such ‘one-sided’ statements could jeopardize the institution’s independence.
“The Kenya Kwanza Coalition is also disappointed that the statement fails to condemn the opposition for resorting to violence after losing a free and fair election at the ballot box and a Supreme Court election petition.” The statement was partially read.
Malala, a former senator from Kakamega, lamented that the UN’s criticism could indicate support for the opposition’s alleged efforts to usurp power illegally.
“This failure by the office of the high commissioner for human rights to condemn the opposition’s refusal to accept free and fair electoral and judicial outcomes could be interpreted, both domestically and internationally, as a statement by the United Nations that free and fair elections are meaningless.
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The statement asserted, “That independent and fair election dispute resolution processes are irrelevant, and that political power is not something to be secured through the ballot box, but rather through violent acts of insurrection against the Constitution.”
Malala further defended the police, contending that despite being provoked by well-organized and well-funded saboteurs, they acted with great restraint.
He emphasized that several officers had perished in opposition-organized protests in the past, while others were in critical condition.
Malala advocated for peaceful protests by stating, “Every Kenyan who wishes to protest, picket, or petition can do so safely and securely; and in a manner that does not compromise the health, safety, or enjoyment of the rights of others.”
The UN Office for human rights expressed concern on July 14 regarding widespread violence and allegations of police using excessive or disproportionate force, including firearms, during demonstrations.
It demanded that the police conduct transparent investigations and arrest those found to be responsible for injuring or killing demonstrators.
UDA Caution UN on ‘Biased’ Protest Assessments
