Ruto's Phone Call with US Secretary of State Blinken

On Thursday, President William Ruto and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken held a significant phone conversation concerning the current state of affairs in Kenya. The discussion focused on several critical issues, including the protection of Kenyan youths, civil society, and media freedoms.

According to a statement from the spokesperson, Secretary Blinken, Matthew Miller, the Secretary expressed the need for protection for the voices of the Kenyan youth and civil society. 

He also said there must be defense for media freedom, as he expressed over accountability in Kenya's security forces.

In a call with Kenyan President Ruto, @SecBlinken reiterated the need to defend and protect the voices of youth, civil society, and media," Miller said. The Secretary also made clear that security forces must be held accountable.

This call comes in the wake of recent tensions involving the Kenyan government and various organizations. The government had issued a demand to the Ford Foundation for clarification on the funding provided to certain NGOs, suspecting that some of those organizations may have contributed to recent protests. The Kenyan government has linked 16 NGOs to the unrest.

In return, the Ford Foundation has reacted to its funding practices, emphasizing commitment to continued financing of peaceful, necessary advocacy for justice and equality while denouncing any actions or speech that promote violence. 

It further stated that it remains dedicated to its 60-year legacy in the region, focused on creating opportunities for Kenyans.

According to KNHRC, the protests so far have resulted in at least 60 deaths and 66 missing persons. Human rights groups accused the police of using excessive force, killing innocent civilians who take to the streets to demand better government services.

With protests running well over a week, the need for dialogue and reform is very urgent; hence, the conversation between Ruto and Blinken comes at a very critical time as Kenya passes through this period of unrest.