EU, White House, Rep. Ilhan Omar express concern over Kenyan violence, urge dialogue

The European Union on Wednesday expressed concern over the outbreak of violence during protests against tax hikes in Kenya, urging parties to continue de-escalating the situation.

“The European Union has followed with concern the outbreak of violence that erupted during the protests in Kenya yesterday, which resulted in the loss of lives, numerous injuries, and significant damage to public and private property," said the bloc's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell in a statement.

Borrell urged defence and security forces to exercise restraint and for protests to remain peaceful.

“Fundamental rights and freedoms, including the rights to freedom of demonstration, association, peaceful assembly, and expression, must be respected," he stated.

The EU called on all parties to continue de-escalating the situation and trusts the robustness of Kenyan democracy and institutions to achieve those objectives.

Borrell said that Ruto's decision to withdraw the bill "contributes to the reduction of the tensions and should help create an environment conducive to dialogue."

Ilhan Omar, representing Minnesota's 5th District in the U.S. House of Representatives and Chair of the U.S. Africa Policy Working Group also expressed her concerns over the deadly protests.

“I am deeply concerned about the escalating violence in Kenya in response to nationwide protests. Reports of police using live ammunition, employing excessive force, targeting journalists, and forcibly disappearing protesters are deeply troubling and must be immediately addressed,” read her statement.

She emphasised that the right to peacefully protest is enshrined in Kenya's constitution and must be respected by authorities.

“The use of deadly force against civilians exercising their democratic rights not only violates basic human rights but also undermines Kenya's democratic foundations,” she said.

In a call with Kenyan President Ruto, @SecBlinken emphasized the importance of reducing tensions and ensuring security services demonstrate restraint and refrain from violence. The U.S. will remain a steadfast partner of Kenya’s government and people as they address economic…

— Matthew Miller (@StateDeptSpox) June 26, 2024

Ilhan highlighted the role of the International Monetary Fund's austerity conditions in contributing to the economic hardships facing Kenyan citizens.

“These measures often disproportionately affect the most vulnerable populations and can exacerbate social unrest,” she noted.

“It is imperative that protesters remain peaceful as they continue to demand change. I stand in solidarity with the people in the wake of both state violence and IMF-imposed austerity measures.”

The American representative of Somali descent called on the Kenyan government to immediately disclose the location and condition of all those who have been taken into custody or disappeared, cease the use of excessive force, respect the right to peacefully protest, and engage in meaningful dialogue to address the legitimate concerns of its citizens.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in a telephone call Wednesday with Kenyan President William Ruto, welcomed his efforts to calm the deadly unrest but urged restraint and investigations into alleged abuses.

Blinken "thanked President Ruto for taking steps to reduce tensions and pledging to engage in dialogue with the protestors and civil society," said State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.