The United Kingdom has responded to the Kenyan government's accusations that it, along with other foreign envoys, interfered with the country’s internal affairs by issuing a joint statement calling for the protection of protesters ahead of the June 25 demonstrations.
Speaking during an interview on NTV, UK Deputy High Commissioner Dr. Ed Barnett defended the joint statement by ambassadors and high commissioners, maintaining that it was issued in good faith to encourage peaceful demonstrations and support the protection of human rights.
According to Barnett, such statements form part of the broader bilateral relationship between Kenya and the UK, which includes open dialogue, even on difficult subjects. He explained that the UK often holds both public and private engagements with Kenya on issues such as human rights and governance.
“As a close ally and partner to Kenya, part of that relationship involves sometimes having difficult conversations with a close friend. Some of those discussions are held privately, and others—where necessary—are made public,” Barnett said.
While condoling with families that lost loved ones during the protests, Barnett noted that accountability for all individuals who broke the law—regardless of side—was crucial in de-escalating tensions and avoiding further unrest.
“Anybody who broke the law ought to be held to account. This is important to de-escalate tensions and reduce the chances of further unrest,” he added.
The statement by the envoys, which drew sharp criticism from senior Kenyan government officials, including top Interior Ministry leaders, was not an attempt to meddle in Kenya’s internal matters, Barnett clarified. He said it was instead a reflection of the UK’s long-standing position on democratic values and rights-based governance.
Additionally, Barnett pointed out that diplomatic missions were compelled to speak out after observing repeated violations of human rights, including the controversial death of Albert Ojwang, who died in police custody.
“In the preceding weeks, we had seen other incidents—such as the death of Albert Ojwang and other detentions—where rights were violated. That is why we felt compelled to speak out. Our intention was to encourage peaceful protest and the protection of those exercising that right,” he concluded.
On June 26, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen slammed the international community and the church over their partisanship on Kenyan political developments following the deadly protests witnessed on Wednesday last week.
Speaking during a press conference on the steps of Harambee House in Nairobi on Thursday last week, the tough-talking and visibly angered CS slammed the international community over interference in Kenya's political matters without due diligence.
According to Murkomen, it was wrong for the church and international community to try and censure the government on what needed to be done as far as the freedom of the protesters was concerned, only for them to remain silent when goons took over the demonstrations and caused mayhem to the general public.
This was after the United States, Britain, and Germany, among other foreign diplomats, had warned against the use of goons and masked police officers during protests in a statement just hours before the planned Wednesday, June 25, protests.
