President Ruto blasts the UN for siding with Raila over the deadly Azimio demos

President William Ruto has accused the United Nations (UN) of taking sides with Raila Odinga’s Azimio movement in the recent chaotic demonstrations.

The accusation comes after the UN criticized the Ruto administration for the reported killing of 23 individuals during the Azimio protests against the high cost of living.

President Ruto filed a formal complaint against the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) at the UN headquarters in Geneva, alleging that the UN relied on third-party information to castigate the government for police brutality.

The complaint lodged by the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Kenya to the UN argues that the OHCHR’s statement was based on unverified information provided by sources lacking firsthand experience.

The letter also questions the quality and reliability of the data used by the OHCHR, stating that their actions raise concerns about the credibility of their assertions.

President Ruto’s government expressed disappointment that the UN failed to verify the accusations of police brutality before issuing a statement on the protests.

Furthermore, the government claimed that the UN’s actions were being exploited by the opposition to intensify their demonstrations, which they deemed undemocratic.

The government emphasized that such strategic portrayals fuel hostility and unrest, eroding trust in democratic institutions and undermining the foundations of a just and equitable society.

In response to the UN’s criticism, the Kenyan government reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of its citizens.

It pledged unwavering dedication to peace, democracy, and human rights amidst a planned three-day demonstration program by the Azimio movement.

The government called on the OHCHR to also take note of the actions being taken by the coalition led by Raila Odinga and retired President Uhuru Kenyatta.

“Such sources often lack first-hand experience and their assertions are often not corroborated by other independent assessments,” read the letter in part.

“The use of such information without due diligence raises concerns about the quality and reliability of the data in question.

“Ruto’s government wondered why the UN office through its spokesperson, Jeremy Laurence, failed to verify the accusations of police brutality before issuing a statement on the protests.

“Further, it was noted that such actions of the UN body were being used by the Opposition to intensify their demonstrations which they claimed were undemocratic.

“This strategic portrayal fuels a cycle of hostility and unrest, gravely undermining the foundations of democratic governance.

“Such escalation not only poses imminent threats to peace and safety but also erodes trust in democratic institutions, thereby undermining the very bedrock of a just and equitable society,” read the letter in part.