The American Government on Friday, March 31, sounded an alarm over police brutality against Journalists covering Azimio la Umoja mass action.
Through the US Embassy in Nairobi, the Biden administration warned that police brutality against innocent people exercising their rights was unacceptable.
In particular, America addressed an incident in which two police officers were captured on video breaking a press corps' car before shooting a gas gun into the car.
"The United States is deeply concerned by recent reports of attacks against journalists," US Ambassador Meg Whitman noted.
Ambassador Whitman stated that the police actions amounted to an infringement on press freedom and called on the police to exercise their mandate as per the Law.
According to Whitman, police brutality is an instrument that can easily be used to weaken or destroy democratic values in a country.
"Protecting press freedom and safety is a cornerstone of democracy," Whitman noted in a statement.
Diplomatic Corps in Kenya on Wednesday, March 31, also asked President William Ruto to exercise restraint and maintain the country's reputation as an anchor of stability, security and democracy in Africa and beyond.
The statement was released by Ambassadors and High Commissioners from Australia, Canada, Denmark, The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, The United Kingdom, and The United States.
"We agree with the Africa Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson in recalling the successful conduct of the general elections in 2022, and the unanimous confirmation of their results by the Supreme Court," read part of the statement.
Led by the United States of America, the diplomatic corps also expressed concerns about the destruction of places of worship and private property.
"It is also damaging economic activity at a time of significant financial challenges. We recognise the right to peaceful protest under Kenya's Constitution. All actors also have a responsibility to adhere to the principles of democracy, freedom and the rule of law," Diplomatic Corps noted.
The Diplomatics called on the Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome to launch an investigation into recent events, including the destruction of private property.
The Corps also called on Opposition leaders to show restraint and work toward a swift resolution for the common good of country.
Meanwhile, the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) also warned the police against attacking Journalists covering Azimio la Umoja protests.
MCK noted that March 2023 was the darkest month in the history of Kenyan media, revealing that over 25 local and international Journalists were injured in the protests.
“This was not coincidental; they were deliberate acts of assault by officers against journalists who were doing their job,” MCK noted.
