Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has condemned the killing of unarmed protesters in Kenya, calling it a tragic affront to democracy and a gross violation of human rights.

Frank, in a strongly worded statement issued Tuesday, described the violent crackdown by Kenyan security forces as “barbaric, inexcusable, and an insult to the memory of those who fought for democracy in Africa.”

At least 11 people were confirmed dead and over 500 arrested on Monday during protests marking the 35th anniversary of Kenya’s historic Saba Saba movement — a landmark event that catalysed the country’s return to multi-party democracy. The protests, fuelled by anger over police brutality and the recent death of blogger Albert Ojwang in custody, were met with live ammunition in multiple locations across Nairobi.

“It is time to stop these avoidable murders,” Frank said. “President William Ruto must immediately call his security forces to order. The use of lethal force on peaceful demonstrators is both a moral and legal abomination.”

Frank, who is also the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, urged the immediate release of all detained protesters and extended condolences to the families of victims.

“These young men and women will be remembered not as agitators, but as martyrs for justice and good governance,” he said.

Calling President Ruto “a friend,” Frank reminded the Kenyan leader that the very people now being arrested and killed were the same citizens who defied odds and voted him into office.

“This is democracy. They believed in you. If they are now dissatisfied, the duty of leadership is not to muzzle them but to engage them. You were elected, not crowned,” Frank said.

He warned that the killings violated international laws and protocols, including the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

“The African continent must stop this dangerous cycle where leaders charm citizens for votes and then unleash terror on them when they demand accountability,” he said.

Frank called on international bodies including the United Nations, the International Criminal Court (ICC), and President Donald Trump of the United States to intervene. He urged the ICC to begin investigations into possible crimes against humanity and proposed travel bans on Kenyan security chiefs found culpable in the extrajudicial killings.

“No one should get away with the murder of peaceful protesters — not in Kenya, not anywhere,” he said. “If nothing is done, impunity will only grow bolder.”

He also criticised the African Union (AU) for its silence on the matter, accusing the continental body of selective outrage.

“The AU only speaks when coups happen. But when elected leaders massacre their own people, they remain shamefully mute. This is the height of hypocrisy,” Frank said.

Encouraging Kenyan protesters to remain peaceful and resolute, he added:
“Stand firm in your convictions. Do not be intimidated. You are fighting for a future where African leaders respect their citizens, not punish them for dissent.”