US Censures Ruto Government Over Human Rights Violations During Protests, Urges Immediate Action
President Joe Biden’s administration has criticized the Kenya Kwanza government for its response to anti-government protests and called for immediate action against human rights abuses.
Uzra Zeya, the US Department of State Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, expressed concern over police brutality, stating it violates Kenya’s 2010 Constitution.
At the conclusion of her two-day visit to Kenya, Ms. Zeya emphasized the US’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and respecting human rights, highlighting issues of forced disappearances, abductions, and arbitrary arrests.
Speaking at the US embassy, Ms. Zeya stressed the importance of free expression, assembly, and press for a thriving democracy during her meetings with President William Ruto and other top officials.
“In my discussions with President Ruto and senior Kenyan officials, I condemned violence against peaceful protesters, human rights defenders, and journalists, and urged the protection of fundamental freedoms of peaceful assembly and expression, as enshrined in Kenya’s constitution,” she stated.
She also emphasized the need for security forces to exercise restraint, reject violence, and ensure accountability for disappearances, excessive force, and other human rights abuses.
Ms. Zeya’s visit coincided with youth-led protests over governance and corruption, a challenging moment for Kenya’s democracy.
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She urged President Ruto to act on his public commitments to strengthen the rule of law, combat corruption, and enhance accountability within his government, ahead of the ‘Nane Nane’ protests.
The implementation of these commitments, including investigating security force abuses and prosecuting those responsible, was highlighted as a key issue.
Ms. Zeya met with various officials, including National Security Adviser Monica Juma and Chief Justice Martha Koome, to follow up on President Ruto’s state visit to the US and ensure respect for the right to assemble and protest as per Article 37 of the constitution.
Despite government commitments, a bill introduced by Mbeere South MP Geoffrey Ruku seeks to impose strict measures on protests, potentially curtailing democratic rights and giving the government sweeping powers.
Civil society reports indicate over 50 Kenyans have died in protests, around 400 injured, and many others missing, with media also facing challenges.
Human rights organizations report that over 60 people are missing after being abducted by state agencies.
“US security systems and cooperation programs require vigilance in upholding human rights and accountability for gross violations,” Ms. Zeya emphasized.
Ms. Zeya engaged with Kenyan civil society, including young changemakers and democratic reformers, advocating for a better future for all Kenyans.
ALSO READ: Ruto’s Message to Nane Nane Protesters
As President Biden welcomed President Ruto to Washington, both nations share a responsibility to partner for security, prosperity, innovation, and democracy.
Ms. Zeya also highlighted the importance of free and independent media for thriving democracies.
On the regional front, she praised Kenya’s leadership in addressing conflicts across Africa, including efforts in Northern Ethiopia, eastern DRC, South Sudan, and combating al-Shabaab in Somalia.
She also commended Kenya’s leadership in the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti, supported by $300 million in US logistics and equipment.
Kenya’s role as a major refugee host was acknowledged, with praise for the innovative Shirika Plan to transition refugee camps into integrated settlements.
The US has provided over $306 million in humanitarian assistance across Kenya, including nearly $55 million for refugee response, and aims to resettle a record number of refugees from Africa.
Ms. Zeya affirmed the US’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Kenya to strengthen democracies and deliver for citizens, the region, and the world.
US Censures Ruto Government Over Human Rights Violations During Protests, Urges Immediate Action
