"The Secretary-General has been closely following the developments in Kenya since the announcement of the results of the elections. He is concerned about the ensuing violence and strongly deplores the loss of human lives. He urges the security forces to show utmost restraint," the statement said. Over 135 people have been reported killed after hundreds of Kenyans protested in the streets Mwai Kibaki's re-election as the country's president for a second term, despite widespread evidence of ballot-rigging, observers said.
"The Secretary-General appeals to the population for calm, patience and respect for law," the statement added.
Ban also called on the political parties and leaders in Kenya to resolve their differences peacefully through dialogue and by "making full use of the existing legal mechanisms and procedures."