Western envoys condemn violence, urge restraint ahead of Wednesday’s protests

The international community has urged the Kenyan government to facilitate peaceful demonstrations planned for Wednesday, June 25, in memory of those who died during the 2024 Gen Z-led protests.

In a joint statement, ambassadors and high commissioners from Australia, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland, Switzerland, and Finland condemned the use of violence,  emphasising that every Kenyan has the right to peaceful assembly.

They also renewed their call for swift, transparent, and independent investigations into allegations of police brutality, warning that the use of plainclothes officers in unmarked vehicles erodes public trust.

“June 25th marks one year since Kenyans voiced their concerns through widespread protests at the 2024 Finance Bill. We remember those who lost their lives and reaffirm every Kenyan’s right to peaceful assembly and to express themselves. 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 also expressed concern about the infiltration of the protests by criminal elements

“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 called for transparency and accountability in public institutions.

“Transparency and accountability are critical – not only for justice, but for restoring confidence in the institutions meant to serve and protect their citizens”, they said.

A section of opposition leaders has announced that they will join the nationwide demos.