Dutch King’s Strong Message To Ruto Over Human Rights
During his State visit to Kenya on Tuesday, March 18, His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands emphasized to President William Ruto the importance of respecting Kenyans’ rights and ensuring good government.
Speaking at State House, the King addressed Ruto at a time when he is under increased scrutiny for a recent wave of abductions and enforced disappearances, as well as a general disregard for human rights.
This week His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Máxima are to pay a state visit to Kenya. @MinisterBZ is accompanying the Royal Couple. In addition, @MinisterBHO and @DefensieMin are attending some programme elements. ⬇️https://t.co/ur7moWg0fu pic.twitter.com/OXZu5VDhLk
— Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs 🇳🇱 (@DutchMFA) March 17, 2025
Furthermore, police brutality and extrajudicial executions have prompted local and international human rights organisations to demand immediate reforms and throw the finger at the President.
“The people of Kenya want their rights as free citizens to be respected and their voices to be heard,” King Willem stated.
“I am pleased that our countries’ strong and mature relationship allows us to devote attention during this visit to issues like human rights, good governance, and accountability,” he added.
“We are grateful to have the opportunity to discuss the concerns that exist in these areas.”
“The people of Kenya want their rights as free citizens to be respected and their voices heard,” King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands says as he meets President Ruto at State House, Nairobi pic.twitter.com/YvMYOoVL4r
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) March 18, 2025
The statement, while appearing innocent, appears to contain a hidden message for Ruto, who has faced widespread criticism for his response to the Gen Z-led rallies of July to August 2024.
Many Kenyans criticized him at the time for failing to acknowledge the loss of human life and injuries suffered by young people, particularly during the protest’s early stages.
Ruto ruffled people’s feathers in his first address to the country at the start of the protests when he referred to the protesting youths as ‘criminals’.
However, as the protests continued, Ruto adopted a conciliatory tone, but many saw the harm as already done.
At the same time, the Dutch king said that he planned to meet with Kenyan youngsters to discuss governance and government accountability.
“Later this morning, in the ambassador’s residence, we will be meeting young Kenyans to hear their views on recent developments. What opportunities do they see to build a bright future for the country that they love?” the King expressed.
The King’s three-day official visit was plagued by controversy as numerous Kenyans in Kenya and the Netherlands signed petitions calling for the visit to be postponed or cancelled entirely.
The imminent visit was exacerbated after a group of Dutch Members of Parliament expressed reservations about the timing of his trip to Kenya.
The MPs, largely from the opposition, expressed concerns about the King’s safety during his visit in response to a report by Amnesty International and other non-governmental organizations highlighting the country’s deteriorating humanitarian situation.
Despite this, the King and his wife Queen Máxima continued their visit, which resulted in Kenya and the Netherlands signing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs).
President Ruto welcomes His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Máxima of Netherlands.#KBCniYetu ^MM pic.twitter.com/PIyzYhkxiI
— KBC Channel 1 News (@KBCChannel1) March 18, 2025
This step strengthens bilateral cooperation between the two countries in trade, tourism, and agriculture.
Here is a breakdown of The Kenya-Netherlands KEY Agreements Signed
Joint Rate Committee for Trade and Investment
This agreement provides a framework for continued communication between Kenya’s Ministry of Trade and its Dutch counterpart.
The committee will increase trade and investment opportunities and promote economic cooperation between the two countries.
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Terms of Reference for Agriculture Working Group
The second agreement establishes a cooperation framework to enhance Kenya’s agricultural interests.
The two will focus on innovation and sustainable methods to strengthen Kenya’s agricultural industry and Tourism Industry Collaboration.
The third agreement focuses on Kenya’s tourism industry, with the Netherlands working with Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism to develop the sector and attract different investments.
This action is likely to boost Kenya’s popularity as a global tourist destination.
Dutch King’s Strong Message To Ruto Over Human Rights
