Twelve foreign embassies in Kenya have jointly called on President William Ruto’s administration to uphold the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful protest and freedom of expression ahead of a planned demonstration on Wednesday, July 24, 2024.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the ambassadors and high commissioners from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, Australia, Switzerland, Norway, Canada, Sweden, and Finland expressed concern over the recent use of force, plain-clothed police, and hired groups referred to as “goons” to suppress peaceful protests.
The planned protest marks the first anniversary of last year’s deadly demonstrations against the 2024 Finance Bill, which resulted in the deaths of at least 60 people and over 600 injuries, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. The commission also documented more than 1,300 arbitrary arrests during that period, with victims reporting bullet wounds, fractures, and exposure to tear gas.
The embassies specifically pointed to the illegal deployment of plain-clothed officers in unmarked vehicles, which the High Court has previously ruled unlawful. They also criticized the use of organized mobs to intimidate protesters, referencing the recent case of Albert Ojwang—a teacher and blogger who died in police custody. Protests demanding justice for Ojwang were violently disrupted by unidentified youth groups.
“Protecting the right to protest is vital to preserving civic space and a cornerstone of Kenya’s vibrant democracy,” the envoys said, urging the government to refrain from excessive force and to ensure the safety of all Kenyans during demonstrations.
In response, Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda assured the public that law enforcement will provide adequate security during the protest. However, he emphasized the need for peaceful conduct, cautioning protesters against disrupting non-participants.
As the anniversary looms, attention is focused on how Kenyan authorities will handle the protests, especially under the scrutiny of both local and international observers calling for accountability, justice, and respect for human rights.
