US Tells William Ruto to Protect Voices of Youth: “We Are Closely Monitoring the Situation”
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken commented on Kenya’s current state, addressing youth protests.
What did Blinken say?
Blinken stated the need for President William Ruto to protect and support the voices of the youth, civil society, and the media.
In a phone conversation with Ruto, he urged him to respect the role of youth in the country’s development.
Blinken further emphasized the importance of youth rights to express themselves through street demonstrations, as outlined in Kenya’s constitution.
“In a call with Kenyan President Ruto Secretary Blinken reiterated the need to defend and protect the voices of youth, civil society, and media. The Secretary also underscored that the security forces need to be held accountable,” the US State Department said.
The United States government, through its State Department, also expressed concern over the rising police brutality and detention of protesters, stating they are closely monitoring the situation.
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“The United States is closely monitoring the situation and is alarmed at credible reports of police units engaging in violence and arbitrary detention of protestors.”
Ambassadors from 13 Countries call for dialogue
Earlier, ambassadors and high commissioners from 13 countries criticized the violence witnessed during the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests.
The countries, led by the United States, expressed concern about the violence witnessed at Parliament.
They urged the government and demonstrators to engage in dialogue over the contentious Finance Bill 2024.
The ambassadors and high commissioners included representatives from the Canadian High Commission, the Royal Danish Embassy, the Embassy of Finland, the Embassy of Germany, and the Embassy of Ireland.
Others were the Embassy of the Netherlands, the Embassy of Estonia, the Embassy of Norway, the Embassy of Sweden, the Embassy of Romania, the Embassy of Belgium, the British High Commission, and the Embassy of the United States.
US Tells William Ruto to Protect Voices of Youth: “We Are Closely Monitoring the Situation”
