The United Nations on Tuesday expressed serious concern over the deaths of at least 10 people in Kenya, where police and protesters clashed during anti-government demonstrations the previous day.

The violence erupted on Saba Saba Day (meaning Seven Seven) when demonstrators annually mark the events of July 7, 1990, when Kenyans rose up to demand a return to multi-party democracy after years of autocratic rule by then-president Daniel arap Moi. "We are deeply troubled by the killings yesterday of at least 10 people, as well as looting and destruction of property in Kenya," UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani told reporters in Geneva.

She said that "lethal ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannons were used" as police responded to the protests.

She highlighted that Kenyan police had reported that at least 11 people were killed, 52 police officers injured, and 567 arrests made.