US Blasts Ruto’s Administration for Excessive Force and Repression of Protesters

The Biden administration has expressed deep concerns over the Kenyan government’s handling of recent anti-government protests, urging immediate action to address alleged human rights violations.

Senior US State Department official Uzra Zeya has stated that the reported police brutality against protesters contradicts Kenya’s 2010 Constitution which guarantees the right to peaceful assembly. During her two-day visit to Kenya, Zeya affirmed America’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and respect for human rights, amid reports of forced disappearances, abductions, and arbitrary arrests. In her meetings with President William Ruto and other government officials, Zeya emphasized the importance of protecting free expression, assembly, and press freedom for Kenya’s democracy, particularly as the country grapples with youth-led protests over governance and corruption.

The US government has also noted with concern the proposed bill by Mbeere South MP Geoffrey Ruku, which aims to impose strict measures on how Kenyans can exercise their right to protest, including fines and imprisonment. Civil society organizations have reported that over 50 Kenyans have lost their lives during the protests, around 400 have been injured, and others remain unaccounted for. There are also concerning reports of the media facing challenges in covering the demonstrations.

Amidst these developments, the US deeply appreciates Kenya’s proactive leadership in addressing conflicts across the African continent and globally, including in Northern Ethiopia, eastern DRC, and South Sudan, as well as its recent efforts to combat al-Shabaab extremists in Somalia. Kenya’s pivotal role in advancing regional peace and security is widely recognized. The US also commends Kenya’s leadership of the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti, a vital endeavour that the US is supporting with $300 million in logistics, equipment, and material assistance.

Furthermore, the US acknowledges Kenya’s longstanding partnership in supporting refugees, asylum-seekers, and other vulnerable populations, as the fifth-largest refugee host on the African continent. The US welcomes and recognizes Kenya’s efforts to promote the socioeconomic inclusion of refugees, including the innovative Shirika Plan to transition refugee camps into integrated settlements. The US has also provided over $306 million in humanitarian assistance across Kenya, including nearly $55 million specifically for refugee response.