“Be Honest!” – United States Warns Ruto After Excessive Force Use Against Protesters
The US government has increased pressure on President William Ruto to prosecute security officers who used extralegal tactics to crack down on peaceful protesters.
Less than two weeks after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken delivered a similar message to him over the phone, his Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya, delivered it to him in person.
Kenya and the United States have long historical ties which have expanded into our common democratic tradition, peace and security in Eastern Africa, the fight against terrorism and people-to-people relations.
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) August 6, 2024
Met US @UnderSecStateJ of State for Civilian Security, Democracy and… pic.twitter.com/6pjPvOzFHy
“Let your actions match your words” was the unerring message from the U.S government to President Ruto, with respect to holding police accountable for the deaths and trampling of civil liberties in response to protests against his government.
Zeya stated that the police should protect citizens rather than terrorize them and that if they violate this principle, as seen during the protests, they should be held accountable to the people for their actions.
“I encourage President Ruto to take concrete action on his recent public pledges to strengthen the rule of law, strengthen anti-corruption initiatives and advance accountability within his own government,” she said.
“I think the key question is the implementation of these commitments, into action. And one specific area is the importance of investigating reports of security forces abuses, prosecuting those responsible and ensuring that accountability is achieved.”
Zeya made these remarks after meeting with several security sector players, including the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA).
Constructive dialogue with the Independent Police Oversight Authority in Nairobi on strategies to enhance police respect for human rights & increase accountability measures. In partnership with @StateINL, we aim to strengthen trust between law enforcement and the community. pic.twitter.com/zW2DyPXUd5
— Under Secretary Uzra Zeya (@UnderSecStateJ) August 7, 2024
The IPOA has accused the Office of the Inspector General of Police of sabotaging efforts to investigate police killings of protesters.
As for whether there will be consequences if the US government’s call for the respect of human rights is ignored.
“It’s well known that US security assistance and partnership cooperation programmes are also subject to US law that requires that we are vigilant with respect to our partners upholding human rights and where there are allegations of gross violations of human rights, we have to be attentive and call for accountability,” stated Zeya.
The Under Secretary denied that the US government turned a blind eye to these violations after bestowing the highest honor of a State Visit on President Ruto two and a half months earlier.
Productive engagement with 🇰🇪 MOI Principal Secretary @ray_omollo on rights-respecting security, rule of law, protection of civic space, and refugee inclusion. 🇺🇸 is proud to be the largest single donor to the humanitarian response in 🇰🇪. pic.twitter.com/29dQpuh8sU
— Under Secretary Uzra Zeya (@UnderSecStateJ) August 7, 2024
“Throughout the protests led by our embassy but supported by my boss US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, we’ve urged the government of Kenya to conduct prompt, transparent investigations into allegations of violence and hold those responsible accountable,” she said.
During her two-day visit to the country, Zeya delivered the same message to Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo and Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Mohamed Amin.
Meaningful discussion with Kenyan Chief Justice Martha Koome on the crucial role of an independent judiciary in strengthening 🇰🇪's democracy and upholding its constitution. pic.twitter.com/E5sVJEdOJW
— Under Secretary Uzra Zeya (@UnderSecStateJ) August 7, 2024
She also met with other justice system stakeholders, including Chief Justice Martha Koome and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC).
“We see anti-corruption as a major area of focus. This is a very important priority policy for the United States,” she noted.
“So this is an area where we are going to concentrate our efforts. The recovery of assets stolen by the kleptocracy.”
“Be Honest!” – United States Warns Ruto After Excessive Force Use Against Protesters
