Bystanders and commuters gather in a commercial area that was vandalized and torched during deadly protests marking one year since the storming of parliament in anti-tax demonstrations in Nairobi, Kenya. AFP
Wednesday's rallies began peacefully but descended into chaos as young men held running battles with police, lit fires, and ripped up pavements to use as projectiles.
The marches were called to mark the first anniversary of anti-tax demonstrations, which peaked when a huge crowd stormed parliament, and dozens were killed by security forces.
"We are deeply concerned by reports of several deaths of protesters and many more injuries -- of protesters and police officers -- during demonstrations in Kenya on Wednesday," UN human rights office spokeswoman Elizabeth Throssell said in a statement.
"We are concerned by reports that some protesters had gunshot wounds.
"Under international human rights law, lethal force by law enforcement officers, such as firearms, should only be used when strictly necessary."
At least 16 people were killed, and thousands of businesses were ruined.
The UN rights office noted that Kenya's Independent Policing Oversight Authority has announced it will launch investigations.
"We underscore the importance of prompt, thorough, independent, and transparent investigations to bring those responsible to justice... We also reiterate calls for calm and restraint," said Throssell.
"The rights of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression are cornerstones of the rule of law and must be respected and upheld by all."
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