United States President Joe Biden’s administration reached out to President William Ruto moments after he withdrew the Finance Bill, 2024.
The call was made by the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken who spoke of the need for Kenyan security agencies to avoid using excessive force while restraining protestors.
Considering withdrawal of the Bill meant Kenya would not be able to raise over Ksh300 billion, Blinken and Ruto also spoke of the economic prospects of the country.
Details of the call were revealed by State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller who underscored Kenya’s importance to US foreign policy.
“In a call with Kenyan President Ruto, Sec Blinken emphasized the importance of reducing tensions and ensuring security services demonstrate restraint and refrain from violence,” Miller revealed in a statement.
“The U.S. will remain a steadfast partner of Kenya’s government and people as they address economic challenges.”
During a separate press brief briefing, Blinken remarked that the US was in possession of evidence that Kenyan security officers used excessive force on protestors.
"We have seen well-documented reports of violence against protesters, and what we have said is in our – in our conversation with that – with the Kenyan Government is that they should use non-lethal methods and prevent civilian harm in dealing with peaceful protests," he remarked.
The situation in Kenya also received attention from Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (Minnesota's 5th District) and United States Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
Ambassador Greenfield remarked that it was unfortunate that violence was meted on protestors and live bullets were used by law enforcement officers when the Kenyan Constitution guaranteed the right to peaceful protests.
“No Kenyan should be put in harm’s way while exercising their right to peaceful public assembly,” she remarked.
The Ambassador further congratulated President William Ruto’s decision to listen to the pleas of Kenyans and shelve the Finance Bill.
On her part, Representative Omar registered her deep concern that police were using live ammunition and employing excessive force as well as targeting journalists.
She further asked for the immediate address of cases of Kenyans protesting against the Finance Bill being abducted.
“The use of deadly force against civilians exercising their democratic rights not only violates basic human rights but also undermines Kenya's democratic foundations,” she stated.
Rep Omar further criticised the austerity measures proposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as having contributed to the hardships facing most Kenyans.
“These measures often disproportionately affect the most vulnerable populations and can exacerbate social unrest,” Omar spoke of the IMF.
The congresswoman who traces her roots to East Africa remarked that she stood in solidarity with protesting Kenyans.
