Details of Ruto’s Call With US Govt Moments After Withdrawing Finance Bill
The administration of United States President Joe Biden contacted President William Ruto shortly after he withdrew the Finance Bill, 2024.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken made the call, stressing the importance of Kenyan security forces avoiding excessive force when dealing with protestors.
With the withdrawal of the Bill impacting Kenya’s ability to raise over Ksh300 billion, Blinken and Ruto also discussed the country’s economic outlook.
State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller shared details of the call, highlighting Kenya’s significance to US foreign policy.
“In a call with Kenyan President Ruto, Sec Blinken emphasized the importance of reducing tensions and ensuring security services demonstrate restraint and refrain from violence,” Miller stated.
“The U.S. will remain a steadfast partner of Kenya’s government and people as they address economic challenges.”
During a separate briefing, Blinken mentioned the US had evidence of Kenyan security officers using excessive force on protestors.
“We have seen well-documented reports of violence against protesters, and in our conversations with the Kenyan Government, we emphasized the use of non-lethal methods to prevent civilian harm in peaceful protests,” he said.
The situation in Kenya also drew attention from Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield.
Ambassador Greenfield expressed regret over the violence against protestors, noting that law enforcement officers used live bullets despite the Kenyan Constitution guaranteeing the right to peaceful protests.
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“No Kenyan should be put in harm’s way while exercising their right to peaceful public assembly,” she said.
The Ambassador also praised President Ruto’s decision to heed Kenyans’ pleas and withdraw the Finance Bill.
Representative Omar voiced her deep concern about police using live ammunition, excessive force, and targeting journalists.
She also called for an immediate investigation into the abduction of protestors opposing the Finance Bill.
“The use of deadly force against civilians exercising their democratic rights not only violates basic human rights but also undermines Kenya’s democratic foundations,” she stated.
Omar also criticized the austerity measures proposed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), linking them to the hardships faced by many Kenyans.
“These measures often disproportionately affect the most vulnerable populations and can exacerbate social unrest,” Omar remarked.
The congresswoman, with roots in East Africa, expressed solidarity with protesting Kenyans.
Speaker Moses Wetang’ula put the motion to the House, which was unanimously carried.
Details of Ruto’s Call With US Govt Moments After Withdrawing Finance Bill