The United States, Britain and Germany, among other foreign diplomats, have warned against the use of goons and masked police officers during protests in a statement just hours before the planned Wednesday, June 25, protests.
In the statement signed by 12 foreign envoys released on Tuesday, the diplomats endorsed the upcoming protests, which will be held in remembrance of protesters who lost their lives during the anti-Finance bill protests in 2024.
The envoys referenced the most recent protests on June 17, which were disrupted by armed goons, who were caught on video assaulting civilians and protesters in the Nairobi CBD.
“We are troubled by the use of hired 'goons' to infiltrate or disrupt peaceful gatherings. Protecting the right to protest is vital to preserving civic space and a cornerstone of Kenya's vibrant democracy,” the statement reads in part.
The statement added, “The use of plainclothes officers in unmarked vehicles erodes public trust and was ruled unlawful by the High Court. We urge full compliance with this ruling.”
The envoys, who hailed from different countries, including the US, UK, Germany, Netherlands, Canada, Sweden and Denmark, voiced concern over potential violence, as they emphasised Kenyans’ right to peaceful demonstrations.
“As citizens prepare to mark this anniversary, we call on all to facilitate peaceful demonstrations and to refrain from violence,” the joint statement read.
In addition, the foreign missions also reiterated their call for independent, swift, and transparent investigations into all incidents of violence against peaceful protestors, noting that accountability for past abuses was critical in delivering justice to victims and their families.
Protests that were witnessed last week took an unfortunate turn, with incidents of police brutality and infiltration of goons dominating not only local headlines but also international media outlets as well.
One viral incident that caused nationwide outrage was when a police officer was caught on video shooting a mask vendor in the head on June 17. The vendor has since been admitted to the Kenyatta National Hospital and is fighting for his life. The two officers involved, meanwhile, have since been detained.
In the midst of the protests, the US issued a security alert to its citizens, warning them against making their way to the Nairobi CBD for their safety. Separately, the UK also condemned the violence on June 17, accusing Kenyan police of using excessive force.
Ahead of the June 25 demonstrations, President William Ruto expressed strong support for the police, pledging to back them in their mandate to uphold the law.
“To every police officer, from the constable to the man on the beat, I give you my assurance that the government of Kenya will support and stand by you as you secure our nation and keep our families safe,” President Ruto said on Tuesday.
