Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary (CS) Alfred Mutua criticised foreign powers on Wednesday, July 19 for what he termed as false reporting on the situation in Kenya.
Mutua in a press statement noted that there were foreign bodies who were making unsubstantiated claims about how the Kenyan government was handling protests.
In particular, he took slight with a letter issued by the United Nations Human Rights Office dated July 14, 2023, that stated up to 23 people had been killed and dozens injured during anti-government protests.
“Where are the 23 people? Give me their names. When you say police are using excessive force, show me them doing so,” he challenged the UN.
He further noted that police officers had shown great restraint as protestors caused mayhem and destruction of property.
“Did you see police shooting anyone?” he posed adding that those who engaged in criminal activities would face the law.
Mutua in his continued criticism of the UN body accused them of penning a false letter riddled with misinformation.
“We do not want people being used to spreading propaganda by few people who do not want peace,” the CS told the diplomatic community.
The UN had asked the Kenyan government to offer protection to protestors who were airing their grievances instead of clamping down on them.
“We call for prompt, thorough, independent and transparent investigations into the deaths and injuries.
“Those responsible must be held to account. Effective measures to prevent further deaths and injuries must be adopted,” the letter from the UN read in part.
The Foreign Affairs CS further dismissed that foreign embassies would engage in a mediation process between President William Ruto and Azimio Leader Raila Odinga.
Mutua remarking on a letter signed by 13 ambassadors and High Commissioners on Tuesday, July 18, recommending mediation between Ruto and Raila noted that the letter meant they were monitoring the situation in Kenya.
Mutua during his statement was flanked by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei who on Tuesday, July 18, endorsed a tweet by the Russian Embassy in Kenya criticising the letter written by foreign ambassadors and high commissioners based in Kenya.
“We urge all parties to table their concerns through meaningful dialogue and resolve their differences peacefully to build the nation together, ensuring no further loss of life,” the letter signed by the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom and other foreign powers read in part.
