US Takes Stand on Raila's Anti-Ruto Nationwide Demonstrations

Raila and Biden
A photo collage of Azimio la Umoja Leader Raila Odinga (Left) and US President Joe Biden.
Kenyans.co.ke

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday, March 28, shared his thoughts about the ongoing protests in Kenya.  

Through State Department Spokesman Vedant Patel, Biden warned both the Kenya Kwanza government and the opposition against taking extreme measures during ongoing protests. 

In particular, the American government asked Azimio la Umoja to avoid inciting violence against local and foreign entities. 

"We encourage political leaders, protesters and all parties to refrain from violence and rhetoric that could incite violence," State Department spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters.

US President Joe Biden addressing the US  - Africa Business Forum on December 14, 2022.
US President Joe Biden addressing the US - Africa Business Forum on December 14, 2022.
Twitter
President Biden

The US also urged President William Ruto's government to exercise restraint even as they deal with Azimio la Umoja protesters. 

Biden's government noted that the opposition was within its right to protest, stating that protest is part of the most vital features of Democracy. 

The statement noted that all Kenyans must adhere to peaceful demonstrations days after the protests turned chaotic leading to loss of lives and destruction of property.

"We call on government security forces to act with restraint while protecting public safety and property.

"The rights to freedoms of expression and association and the right to peaceful assembly are core tenets to democracy," Vedant Patel explained. 

President Biden also invited President William Ruto to a summit of democracies that aims to counter growing authoritarianism.

Biden lauded Kenya for her commitment to Democracy in Africa, which has recently faced a lot of electoral turmoils. 

Azimio Leader Raila Odinga called for bi-weekly protests every Monday and Thursday to protest for electoral justice and the cost of living. 

So far, three people were killed in the first two weeks of protests that began on Monday, March 20, in Nairobi and other parts of the country.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna joins Azimio mass action protests in Nairobi on Monday, March 20, 2023.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna joins Azimio mass action protests in Nairobi on Monday, March 20, 2023.
Photo
Edwin Sifuna
  • . .