Leaders who censor Americans from exercising their right to freedom of speech will not be allowed to travel to the United States after the US government announced a new visa restriction policy on Wednesday.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio disclosed in a formal statement that American citizens have suffered because of leaders who restrict their right to free speech, making it difficult for them to voice their thoughts.
According to Rubio, the goal of the policy is to prevent entry through fines or legal action against officials from any nation who have participated in limiting the free expression of Americans.
Since the US respects free speech and views it as a fundamental component of the American way of life, Rubio claims that these leaders would not be permitted entry.
''For too long, Americans have been fined, pestered, and even charged by foreign authorities for exercising their free speech rights. Today, I am announcing a new visa restriction policy that will apply to foreign officials and persons who are complicit in censoring Americans," the statement read in part.
According to Rubio, the freedom of speech of Americans is a birthright over which foreign governments have no authority.
The Secretary of State has revealed that the new restriction will affect all foreign leaders worldwide, including Kenya.
''Foreigners who work to undermine the rights of Americans should not enjoy the privilege of travelling to our country. Whether in Latin America, Europe, or elsewhere, the days of passive treatment for those who work to undermine the rights of Americans are over," the statement continued.
While Kenya was not directly mentioned in the initial announcement, the policy applies globally, meaning that Kenyan leaders involved in online censorship or speech restrictions could fall under scrutiny.
Over the past few years, Kenya’s political landscape has seen heated debates over social media regulations, including attempts to monitor online discourse, limit digital activism, and silence critics.
If the US deems any Kenyan officials complicit, they could face US travel bans under this new directive.
Just today, Dagoretti North Member of Parliament Beatrice Elachi elicited a heated debate after voicing frustrations about social media’s unchecked influence, stating that lawmakers must step in to regulate the sector.
"Social media has decided to run our country... We must sort out that sector," Elachi declared in a bold prayer before President William Ruto and other leaders, signalling potential legislative actions aimed at curbing online discourse.
