As Kenya braces for the first anniversary of the monumental June 25, 2024, #RejectFinanceBill protests, a powerful and unified message has been delivered by a coalition of Western embassies in Nairobi. In a rare joint statement, these diplomatic missions have issued a stern warning to the Kenyan government, urging it to uphold civic freedoms and unequivocally condemn any form of state-sponsored violence as fresh demonstrations loom.
The statement, signed by envoys representing Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, Australia, Switzerland, Norway, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Sweden, and Finland, serves as a significant diplomatic intervention. It calls for transparency, accountability, and restraint from authorities, explicitly recalling the deadly consequences of last year's protests, which saw dozens killed and many more injured. "We remember those who lost their lives and reaffirm every Kenyan's right to peaceful assembly and to express themselves," the statement reads, underscoring the fundamental human rights at stake.
A core concern articulated by the diplomats is the use of clandestine and unlawful tactics against peaceful demonstrators. They specifically condemned the deployment of plain-clothed police officers in unmarked vehicles and the infiltration of peaceful gatherings by hired thugs, often referred to as "goons." These tactics, which drew widespread national and international outrage in 2024, were later definitively ruled illegal by the High Court. "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 envoys emphasized, directly challenging the government to adhere to its own legal framework.
Adding to their grave concerns, the ambassadors expressed deep "trouble by the use of hired 'goons' to infiltrate or disrupt peaceful gatherings," categorizing such actions as a direct threat to Kenya's democratic space. This particular concern strikes at the heart of state-sponsored violence and the deliberate undermining of citizens' constitutional rights to peaceful protest.
The joint statement called for "swift, transparent, and independent investigations into all incidents of violence against peaceful protestors." The envoys stressed that accountability in such matters is not merely about achieving justice for victims but is equally crucial for "restoring confidence in the institutions meant to serve and protect their citizens." This highlights a broader concern about the erosion of public trust in state agencies.
This unified diplomatic statement arrives at a politically sensitive moment for Kenya. The nation's youth have signaled clear intentions to return to the streets, not only to commemorate last year's events but also to protest against the persistent rising cost of living and what many perceive as a betrayal of democratic promises by the current administration.
For diplomatic observers, this joint statement is widely interpreted as a veiled yet firm warning to the Ruto administration. It signals that the international community is closely monitoring the situation and will not remain silent in the face of any potential state overreach or suppression of fundamental civic freedoms. The emphasis on international standards of human rights and democratic space serves as a reminder that Kenya's actions on its domestic front have broader implications for its international standing and partnerships. As the anniversary approaches, all eyes will be on Nairobi, watching how the government responds to both the impending protests and this significant diplomatic pressure.
