Western diplomats call for restraint, warn against use of hired goons ahead of June 25 protests
Adding to their concern, the ambassadors noted that "we are troubled by the use of hired 'goons' to infiltrate or disrupt peaceful gatherings," calling such actions a direct threat to democratic space.
9A coalition of Western embassies in Kenya has issued a rare joint statement ahead of the June 25 anniversary of the 2024 #RejectFinanceBill protests, urging the government to protect civic freedoms and avoid state-sponsored violence as fresh demonstrations loom.
The envoys — representing Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, Australia, Switzerland, Norway, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Sweden, and Finland — called for transparency, accountability, and restraint, recalling the deadly consequences of last year's protests where dozens were killed and many more injured.
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"We remember those who lost their lives and reaffirm every Kenyan's right to peaceful assembly and to express themselves," the statement reads.
The diplomats specifically condemned the use of plain-clothed police in unmarked vehicles and the infiltration of peaceful demonstrations by hired thugs — tactics that drew national and international outrage in 2024 and were later 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 said.
The envoys — representing Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, Australia, Switzerland, Norway, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Sweden, and Finland — called for transparency, accountability, and restraint. (X/US Embassy in Nairobi)
Adding to their concern, the ambassadors noted that "we are troubled by the use of hired 'goons' to infiltrate or disrupt peaceful gatherings," calling such actions a direct threat to democratic space.
They further called for "swift, transparent, and independent investigations into all incidents of violence against peaceful protestors," adding that accountability is not just about justice but also about "restoring confidence in the institutions meant to serve and protect their citizens."
The statement comes at a politically sensitive moment, as Kenyan youth signal intentions to return to the streets in protest against rising costs of living and what they perceive as a betrayal of democratic promises.
Diplomatic observers see this as a veiled warning to the Ruto administration that the international community is watching closely, and will not stay silent in the face of state overreach.
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