Foreign Envoys Urge Justice and Peaceful Protests in Kenya

Marking one year since protests against the 2024 Finance Bill turned violent, a group of ambassadors and high commissioners in Kenya has called for peaceful commemoration and accountability. In a joint statement, the envoys urged respect for the right to peaceful assembly and justice for those affected by the violence.

The diplomats criticized the use of plainclothes officers in unmarked vehicles during the demonstrations, a practice deemed unlawful by the High Court. They emphasized the importance of abiding by this ruling, warning that such actions erode public trust. The statement also condemned the hiring of individuals to disrupt peaceful protests, describing it as a threat to Kenya’s democratic values.

The envoys, representing countries including the United States, Germany, Canada, and the United Kingdom, stressed that peaceful protests are vital for preserving civic space and democracy. They renewed their call for transparent and independent investigations into violence against protestors, emphasizing that accountability is necessary for justice and restoring confidence in public institutions.

As Kenya reflects on the anniversary of the unrest, the foreign representatives appealed for collective efforts to ensure peace, protect civic freedoms, and honor the right to peaceful expression.