U.S. Embassy Condemns Violence During Protests, Urges Police Restraint

 NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 18, 2024 – The US Embassy in Nairobi expressed deep concern over rising levels of violence as Kenya entered a fifth week of countrywide protests, with over 50 protest-related deaths.

U.S. Embassy Nairobi Offices

Reports of shootings and abductions targeting protesters, journalists, and other civilians promulgated the issue; consequently, the embassy issued a statement urging parties to be peaceful and respect the rule of law.

We ...note with profound regret the loss of life and the destruction of people's livelihoods. We call on all actors to remain peaceful and respect the rule of law, the embassy stated.

Emphasizing the importance of democracy, the embassy highlighted the role of constructive engagement by citizens and civil society, supported by a free and independent media. 

 "These are values we share with Kenya and which we must all protect, the statement read."

The Embassy also appealed for the police to exercise restraint and for the protection of people's rights to demonstrate peacefully.

 "We call on provocateurs and opportunists to avoid blocking roads and looting businesses. All actors – police and protesters alike – should repudiate violence and be held accountable for wrongdoing," the embassy added.

Welcoming the recent remarks by the Kenyan government on addressing public grievances, the U.S. Embassy called for continued progress on issues like corruption and accountability as a way of promoting national unity and reconciliation.

"As a long-time friend and partner to Kenya, we encourage the government to continue taking steps forward, including on corruption and accountability, to promote national unity and reconciliation," the statement said.

This now concluded by calling it an important moment for all Kenyans in demonstrating the democratic values shared by both nations. 

 "As both of our countries strive to build stronger democracies that deliver peace and prosperity for our citizens, this is an important moment for all Kenyans to demonstrate the democratic values we share."

This statement could not have come at a more timely moment, as widespread protests and violence rack the Kenyan people. In this respect, the appeal for restraint and responsibility from the U.S. Embassy underpins the requirement for peaceful and democratic engagement in the engagement towards resolving the ongoing crisis.