Kenya hits back at foreign envoys over call to protect civic freedoms during June 25 protests

Kenya has pushed back against foreign envoys who urged the government to protect civic freedoms during upcoming protests, warning them not to interfere in the country’s internal affairs.

In a statement on Tuesday, Defence and Foreign Relations Committee Chairperson Nelson Koech said while the country respects constitutional rights, its sovereignty must be upheld.

Envoys from 12 countries—including Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, Australia, Switzerland, Norway, Canada, the UK, the US, Sweden, and Finland—issued a joint statement urging President William Ruto’s administration to uphold citizens’ rights to peaceful protest and free expression ahead of Wednesday’s demonstrations.

Unmarked vehicles

The embassies called for restraint and lawful policing and raised concern over the use of plainclothed officers in unmarked vehicles, citing a High Court ruling that declared such deployment illegal.

However, in response, Koech raised concerns over what he termed a growing trend of external actors commenting on Kenya’s internal governance, noting that such conduct risks eroding the principle of sovereign equality that underpins diplomatic relations.

He said Kenya’s democratic commitment is driven by the will of its people, not foreign pressure.

“The Republic of Kenya continues to embrace its vibrant democracy, not at the urging of others, but by the will of its people. We invite all diplomatic partners to walk with us in mutual respect, upholding the core values of the Vienna Convention: non-interference, constructive engagement, and sovereign dignity,” Koech said.

“Kenya is not a subject of external surveillance. Kenya is a nation rising, secure in its democracy and firm in its partnerships.”

Activist rhetoric

The legislator also took issue with parts of the joint statement, saying it appeared to adopt activist rhetoric.

“In referring to ‘hired goons’ and covert operations, the joint statement treads dangerously close to adopting the language of activists and partisan actors. Kenya welcomes dialogue, not echo chambers,” he said.

Koech emphasised that security operations conducted by the State must always be governed by the rule of law.

“In the same breath, the State is duty-bound to maintain public order and protect lives, property, and national stability, especially in moments where genuine civic action risks being hijacked by criminal or violent elements. These responsibilities are neither arbitrary nor unchecked; they are subject to oversight by our independent judiciary, Parliament, and civilian commissions,” he said.

Democratic principles

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He said Kenya remains firmly committed to upholding democratic principles, including the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, as enshrined in the Constitution.

The protests are being held in memory of over 60 people who died during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests, which also left hundreds injured.

Last year’s protests, which culminated in demonstrators storming Parliament on June 25, saw the Finance Bill withdrawn amid intense public opposition over proposed tax increases.

According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), 1,376 arbitrary arrests were recorded between June 18 and November 20, 2024, alongside 610 injuries from beatings, bullet wounds, tear gas inhalation, and other trauma. Twenty-five police officers were also reported injured.

Ahead of Wednesday’s anniversary protests, Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda assured that officers were ready to protect all Kenyans.

“Let’s restrict ourselves to peaceful demonstrations, not demonstrations which are going to interfere with other people who may not be part of the demonstrators,” Seda said.

Address violations

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also acknowledged concerns raised about specific policing tactics and assured that any violations, once proven, are addressed through established institutions, including independent commissions, Parliament and the Judiciary.

While reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to democratic ideals and global partnerships, the Ministry warned against foreign statements it described as overly prescriptive or detached from context.

“Kenya remains a willing partner in the global democratic project but cautions against expressions that are overly prescriptive and insensitive of the complex national and global environment in which all our states operate,” the Ministry said.

It noted that such narratives risk reinforcing political polarisation and could damage Kenya’s social cohesion.

The Ministry further reminded the envoys that diplomatic relations are best upheld through mutual respect, open dialogue, and recognition of different governance realities in line with the Vienna Convention.