US official Uzra Zeya condemns police brutality during anti-government protests

The United States Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights Uzra Zeya concluded her visit to Kenya on Wednesday with a condemnation of the brutality metted upon protesters by the police during the ongoing anti-government protests.

Zeya revealed that she demanded restraint from police when dealing with peaceful protesters during her meeting with top security and government officials.

Addressing a press briefing at the US Embassy in Nairobi, the senior official also stressed the need for free and independent media. "Free and independent media are indispensable to thriving democracies, so I have great respect for the work they do," she said.

The official has been in the country over the last few days during which she held meetings with President William Ruto, National Security Advisor Monicah Juma, Chief Justice Martha Koome, senior security officials including Director of Criminal Investigations Amin Mohamed, EACC Deputy CEO Abdi Mohamud, a delegation from the Independent Policing and Oversight Authority (IPOA), members of the civil society and some young Kenyans.

"In my discussions with President Ruto and senior Kenyan officials, I condemned violence committed against peaceful protestors, human rights defenders, and journalists, and urged protection of the fundamental freedoms of peaceful assembly and expression, as enshrined in Kenya's constitution. I also underscored the critical importance of security forces exercising restraint, rejecting violence in all its forms, and prompt investigations of and accountability for disappearances, excessive use of force, and other human rights abuses," she said.

Her maiden visit to Kenya coincided with a youth uprising that is pushing for better governance and accountability from government officials. The push has not come easy as scores ended up dead after they were shot by security officials responding to the protests across major towns.

Latest data from the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights show that at least 60 Kenyans lost their lives during the protests which left hundreds of others injured. "I extend my deepest condolences for all loss of life and sympathies to those injured," Zeya said.

Others are still missing and a puzzling rise in unaccounted for bodies lying at the City mortuary further complicates the already dire situation.

Zeya said her visit was aimed at strengthening the two nations' partnership in support of democratic reforms and rights.

"Democracy requires constant work and, as we acknowledge the progress that Kenya has made. We must also recognise the work that remains to be done in terms of police accountability and human-centred security. To this end, I encouraged President Ruto to take concrete action on his recent public pledges to strengthen the rule of law, champion anti-corruption initiatives, and advance accountability within his government," she said.

United States Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights Uzra Zeya. (Reuters)

The visit further sought to deepen the two countries' collaboration on shared regional and global challenges.

Kenya plays a lead role in peace and security efforts in neighbouring states amongst them Somalia where it's actively involved in the fight against the Al-Shabaab terror group, in Eastern DRC, South Sudan and even beyond the neighbourhood to Haiti where it's helping combat armed gangs.

"As President Joe Biden declared in welcoming President Ruto to Washington for his historic State visit, our two nations have shared responsibility to meet together, as partners - for security, for prosperity, for innovation, and most importantly, for democracy," she said.

She said she further noted and applauded Kenya's longstanding efforts in supporting refugees, asylum-seekers, and other vulnerable populations in need.

"As the fifth largest refugee host on the African continent, Kenya plays an immense and generous role in hosting hundreds of thousands of vulnerable people fleeing conflict and persecution," she said.

The official also took note of the Immigration Department's move to host refugees amongst local communities in Garissa and Turkana counties under the Shirika Plan.

"We welcome and recognise Kenya's efforts to promote the socioeconomic inclusion of refugees, including the innovative Shirika Plan to transition refugee camps into integrated settlements," she said, noting that the US provided more than $306 million in humanitarian assistance across Kenya, including nearly $55 million specifically for refugee response.

She spoke hours ahead of another planned anti-government protest dubbed Nane Nane.