Kenyan Gov’t Give US ‘Blanked’ Response On Human Rights After Blinken’s Phone Call To Ruto
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei has responded to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
This comes after Blinken spoke with President William Ruto over the phone.
Matthew Miller, Blinken’s spokesperson, stated that the two discussed the importance of protecting Kenyan youth and civil society voices.
In a statement, Sing’oei reassured Kenyans of their right to assembly and expression.
We are grateful for the partnership of the United States in the forging of a more inclusive and prosperous Kenya. We assure that citizens' freedom of assembly and expression when exercised responsibly within the remit of our Constitution will enjoy every protection.… pic.twitter.com/qKVEgUNIov
— Korir Sing'Oei (@SingoeiAKorir) July 26, 2024
“We are grateful for the partnership of the United States in the forging of a more inclusive and prosperous Kenya,” he said.
“We assure that citizens’ freedom of assembly and expression when exercised responsibly within the remit of our Constitution will enjoy every protection.”
During their conversation, Blinken emphasized the importance of defending the media.
His spokesperson, Miller, said the Secretary of State urged Ruto to hold the country’s security forces accountable for their actions.
In a call with Kenyan President Ruto @SecBlinken reiterated the need to defend and protect the voices of youth, civil society, and media. The Secretary also underscored that the security forces need to be held accountable.
— Matthew Miller (@StateDeptSpox) July 26, 2024
“In a call with Kenyan President Ruto Blinken reiterated the need to defend and protect the voices of youth, civil society, and media. The Secretary also underscored that the security forces need to be held accountable,” the spokesperson said in a statement.
This comes in the wake of anti-government protests by Kenyan Generation Z.
The protests, which have lasted slightly more than a month, have killed Kenyans, injured others, and destroyed property.
Human rights organizations have accused police of using excessive force against innocent protesters who are in the streets demanding better government services.
The Kenyan government wrote to the Ford Foundation last week, demanding answers about funding extended to some Kenyan organisations suspected of involvement in the recent protests.
The Kenyan government identified 16 non-governmental organisations in connection with the protests.
However, the Ford Foundation defended its funding criteria to the organizations while maintaining its anti-anarchist stance.
The Foundation reiterated that, while it supports Kenyans’ right to peacefully advocate for a just and equitable country, it opposes any acts that promote violence.
“…We repudiate any actions or speech that are hateful or advocate violence against any institution, individual, or community,” the statement read.
It has also stated that it will continue to build on its 60-year-old legacy in the region so that Kenyans can access opportunities that benefit them.
As of Thursday, the Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNHRC) reported at least 60 deaths as a result of the protests.
Another 66 people are missing and cannot be located.
Kenyan Gov’t Give US ‘Blanked’ Response On Human Rights After Blinken’s Phone Call To Ruto
