US AND EUROPEAN AMBASSADORS WARN AGAINST THE USE OF HIRED GOONS

A coalition of Western embassies in Kenya has issued a rare joint statement ahead of the June 25 anniversary of the 2024 protests, urging the Kenyan government to uphold civic freedoms and avoid state sponsored violence as fresh demonstrations appear imminent. The statement signed by envoys from Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, Australia, Norway, Canada, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, the United States, Sweden and Finland, emphasized the need for accountability, transparency and restraint. It recalls the deadly aftermath of 2024’s protests, during which many were killed and injured.

The diplomats further condemned the use civilian clothed police officers operating in unmarked vehicles and use of goons to disrupt peaceful protests, tactics that provoked widespread national and international condemnation in 2024 and were later declared illegal by Kenya’s High Court. The use of hired thugs during protests pose a serious threat to democratic freedoms. The diplomats called for swift, transparent and independent investigations into all acts of violence against peaceful protestors, stating that accountability is essential for justice and restoring public confidence in the country’s institutions. The joint statement comes as young Kenyans prepare to take to the street again over betrayal of democratic ideals.