United Nations Condemns Violence in Kenya

After a week of retaliation to the disputed re-election of President Mwai-Kibaki on December 27, the United Nations human rights investigators have urged Kibaki and Raila Odingoa to stop the killing.  In a statement made on Friday, the UN showed concern for Kenyan security forces who have been reported to use unnecessary force with demonstrators.

Within one week over 300 people have died and 100,000 have been displaced away from their homes due to the ongoing riots in response to Kibaki’s re-election.  Many still insist that the election was rigged.  14 independent UN rights experts have said, “We are especially distressed by the tragic loss of human lives, the numerous casualties and destruction of property and infrastructure.”

The UN severely frowned upon the pointless killing of 30 people, which included women and children, by a mob who set a church in Eldoret on fire.  The investigators responded by saying “In this regard, we are profoundly alarmed by the reports of incitement to racial hatred and the growing frictions between the different ethnic groups in Kenya.”

The United Nations strongly urges both Odinga’s and Kibaki’s parties to strive for “a peaceful and rapid solution to end the violence.”  They also remind Kenyan authorities that it is their responsibility to respect international human rights laws.  The surge of displaced individuals in the Rift Valley also threaten their right to food, health and education.