Just hours before the planned June 25 protests, a group of powerful foreign diplomats raised concern about how the Kenyan government has been handling demonstrations.
In a joint statement on Tuesday, 12 ambassadors from countries including the United States, Britain, Germany, and several others asked the Kenyan authorities to protect the rights of citizens.
They said they were deeply worried by reports of goons and masked police officers being used to disrupt what are meant to be peaceful protests.The diplomats strongly supported the upcoming demonstrations, saying they are being held to honour those who lost their lives during last year’s anti-Finance Bill protests.
They reminded the government that the right to protest is part of democracy and must be respected at all times. In their words, they were troubled by the hiring of goons whose purpose is to mix with peaceful crowds and cause chaos.
They added that such actions only serve to create fear and silence citizens instead of allowing open expression.They also raised concern over the continued use of plainclothes police in unmarked vehicles.
According to the statement, this form of policing had already been ruled illegal by the High Court.
The envoys asked the Kenyan police to stop using these methods and instead operate within the law, warning that breaking the law while trying to enforce it sends the wrong message to the public.
The diplomats referred to what happened on June 17, when men believed to be hired goons were seen beating peaceful protesters in Nairobi’s city center.
Several videos from that day were shared widely and caused shock among many people in Kenya and abroad. The diplomats said that such scenes must never be repeated and that those responsible must face justice.
The joint statement, signed by representatives from the US, UK, Germany, Sweden, Canada, Netherlands, Denmark, and others, called for calm and accountability. They said it is important that as Kenyans gather to remember those who died, the demonstrations should be peaceful and free from fear.
They called on all parties including the government to respect the rights of those who wish to speak out.
Finally, the envoys demanded quick and honest investigations into cases of violence against protesters. They said only a transparent process can help bring justice to the victims and their families.
Their message was clear violence has no place in a democratic society, and the government must do better to protect its people.
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