Secretary of state, Anthony Blinken emphasized the Importance of freedom of assembly and demanded the protection of the rights of protesters
the website of the State Department reported that US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken held a telephone conversation with Kenyan president, William Ruto, on 25 July, during which he reiterated the importance of freedom of assembly and expression in the country.
According to the report, “The Secretary of State stressed the importance of freedom of assembly and expression as enshrined in the Constitution of Kenya, and emphasized the vital role that youth and civil society organizations play in a healthy democracy, and called for respect for their contribution to Kenya’s development,” the official publication reads.
The text shows that Ruto promised to hold accountable “security forces that are involved in violence at protests.” The Kenyan leader also promised Blinken that the police would refrain from violence against activists.
Protests against tax hikes began in Kenya in late June. They turned into riots and led to dozens of deaths, which protesters blame on the violent methods used by security forces in their attempts to end the protest. The protests has continued even after president Ruto cancelled the tax reform bill and dissolved the government, as the protesters demand the resignation of the president himself. The events in Kenya have seemingly inspired youths to embark on similar processes in Uganda and Nigeria, However, military chiefs have issued stern warnings to intending protesters in both countries.
Kenyan authorities have blamed outside forces for promoting the actions of the protesters and accused some American non-governmental organizations of financing unrest. Earlier, a news outlet, African Initiative published an investigation which showed how the US interferes in Kenya’s domestic politics.
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