Envoys call on police to facilitate peaceful protests as Gen Zs prepare for June 25 memorial
ccording to the diplomats, the protection of protesters is vital and it has been a cornerstone in the democracy of Kenya
Foreign missions based in Nairobi have urged the government to facilitate peaceful protests to mark the first anniversary of those killed in last year’s riots against the Finance Bill.
In a joint press statement, high commissioners and ambassadors from the Netherlands, Britain, Germany, Denmark, Ireland, Canada, Switzerland, Finland and Sweden, among others, called on President William Ruto’s administration not to use plainclothes officers and unmarked vehicles in enforcing security during the planned protests as directed by the High Court last month so as not to erode public trust.
“As citizens prepare to mark this anniversary, we call on all to facilitate peaceful demonstrations and to refrain from violence. The use of plain clothed officers in unmarked vehicles erodes public trust and was ruled unlawful by the High Court. We urge full compliance with this ruling,” the statement read in part.
The diplomats also raised their concerns on infiltration of peaceful protests with hired goons.
According to them, the protection of protesters is vital and it has been a cornerstone in the democracy of Kenya.
“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,” they said.
Remembering the lives of those who lost their lives during the June 25 protest last year, the envoys reiterated that every Kenyan has a right to peacefully protest and express themselves.
“We remember those who lost their lives and reaffirm every Kenyan’s right to peaceful assembly and to express themselves.”
Further, they have called for a swift and transparent investigation into the recent incident of use of violence against protesters adding that it will help restore confidence in the police officers.
“We renew our calls for swift, transparent, and independent investigations into all incidents of violence against peaceful protestors. Transparency and accountability are critical – not only for justice, but for restoring confidence in the institutions meant to serve and protect their citizens,” the diplomats demanded.
