Police officers during protests in Nairobi on Tuesday. Photo: AFP.
Western Diplomats in the country have called on protesters to conduct peaceful protests tomorrow June, Wednesday 25, in honour of their colleagues who killed during the June 2024 Anti-Finance Bill.
In a joint statement issued by the Ambassadors and High Commissioners on Tuesday, the diplomats urged a peaceful march and avoid violence at all cost.
They urged the government not to deploy police with masked faces and covered vehicle registration numbers, as it raises mistrust among protesters, which could escalate a situation and provocation. They further called on the police force to uphold the ruling made by High Court.
“As citizens prepare to mark this anniversary, we call on all to facilitate peaceful demonstrations and to refrain from violence. the use of plain clothed officers in unmarked vehicles erodes public trust and was ruled unlawfully by the High Court. We urge full compliance with this ruling,” read the statement.
Additionally, they raised the concerns about the chilly partnership witnessed on Tuesday last week protests, where the police were captured in a viral video directing goons towards peaceful protesters, and watched as they loot, rob and beat up protesters in Nairobi.
“We are troubled by the use of hired ‘goons’ to infiltrate or disrupt peaceful gatherings. Protecting the right to protest is vital to preserving civic space and a cornerstone of Kenya’s vibrant democracy,” read a part of the statement.
The Commissions further honoured the lives of the Gen Zs killed, reminding the government on the right of peaceful engagement and protests, as enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya 2010, which has been largely violated by the Kenya Kwanza government.
They further called on speedy and transparent investigation into the cases of police brutality witnessed in the country recently, including the chilly shooting of unarmed mask vendor on Tuesday.
“We remember those who lost their lives and reaffirm every Kenyan’s right to peaceful assembly and to express themselves. We renew our calls for swift, transparent, and independent investigations into all incidents of violence against peaceful protesters. Transparency and accountability are critical, not only for justice, but for restoring confidence in the institution meant to serve and protect their citizens,” they stated.
