Nine embassies in Kenya have condemned President William Ruto’s administration following an increase in the cases of arbitrary arrests and abductions of Kenyans.
The diplomatic missions from Denmark, Germany, Britain, Finland, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, and Ireland, in a joint statement issued on Thursday, October 31, reiterated Kenya's constitutional provision for human rights and freedoms.
While acknowledging President William Ruto’s commitment to uphold the rule of law, the ambassadors accused the Head of State of failing to heed his initial promise of ending the menace that has been witnessed in recent weeks.
According to the nine ambassadors, the president publicly declared that such incidents would not happen under his watch and that all individuals involved in abductions would be held accountable.
The diplomatic missions also faulted President Ruto’s regime for disobeying court orders that directed the National Police Service (NPS) and other security organs in the country to curb such cases.
“We note our concern over ongoing reports of arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances despite High Court rulings. It is crucial to ensure the rule of law prevails and the rulings of the judiciary are followed,” the ambassadors noted.
“We note President Ruto's commitment that such incidents will not happen under his watch and that all individuals involved will be held accountable,” the statement added.
The diplomats, while expressing their displeasure, urged Ruto to ensure the rule of law prevailed and the rulings of the judiciary were followed. The ambassadors further called for swift investigations into the matter.
“Kenya's own Constitution and its National Legislation set out the rights and fundamental freedoms to which each of its citizens is entitled. It establishes the Bill of Rights as the framework for its economic and social policies. Upholding human rights leads to stability and prosperity,” the ambassadors noted.
"Swift and transparent investigations will enable Kenya to demonstrate to the World its commitment to upholding rights as it takes up its seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council."
However, the United States Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman's failure to sign the joint statement has raised eyebrows among Kenyans with people questioning the motive behind her decision.
Notably, her failure to back the joint statement comes days after she took a swipe at the government for violating privacy rights. Her sentiments followed moments after a local daily exposed how Kenyan telcos were aiding the police in tracing government critics.
"Democracies and democratic rights are things that we share with Kenya. I am certain that people will look into this situation. I think we should take it very seriously." Whitman noted.
The joint statement comes amidst a surge in cases of abductions and arbitrary arrests in the country which have been highly linked to state security agents despite denial by the government..
The latest case is the disappearance of blogger Maverick Aoko, a notorious critic of President William Ruto's government who was reportedly abducted on Monday, October 21 under unclear circumstances.
