The United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has urged the Kenyan authorities to exercise restraint while dealing with citizens protesting over the Finance Bill.

He also called on Kenyans to demonstrate peacefully to avoid confrontations with police officers. 

“I am deeply saddened by the reports of deaths and injuries – including of journalists and medical personnel – connected to protests and street demonstrations in Kenya. 

“I urge the Kenyan authorities to exercise restraint, and call for all demonstrations to take place peacefully,” stated Guterres.

His statement emerged after several people were killed when protesters stormed parliament buildings on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, MPs on Tuesday June 25, 2024, afternoon passed the controversial Finance Bill 2024 and presented it to President William Ruto for signing it into law. 

This was after 195 MPs voted in favour for the Bill as 106 opposed it while three votes were spoilt.

Meanwhile, the Bill was passed amid ‘Reject Finance Bill’ protests in Nairobi and other towns all over the country.

Azimio leader Raila Odinga is among the leaders who have condemned the brutal killing of anti-Finance Bill protesters in the country and urged the government to withdraw the Finance Bill 2024.

In a statement dated June 25, 2024, Raila noted that it was wrong for police officers to kill peaceful protesters who were exercising their democratic rights.

“I am disturbed at the murders, arrests, detentions and surveillance being perpetrated by police on boys and girls who are only seeking to be heard over taxation policies that are stealing both their present and future.

“The starting point to ending this impasse and cruel bloodletting is for the government to immediately and unconditionally withdraw the Finance Bill and make way for a fresh start and dialogue,” Raila stated.