- 12 foreign embassies, led by the US, issue a joint statement
- They honour victims of the 2024 Finance Bill protests
- Envoys call for peace, lawful policing, and full accountability
- Concern raised over “goons” and plainclothes officers in unmarked cars
- They want independent investigations and justice for victims
The US Embassy in Nairobi, joined by 11 other diplomatic missions, has released a strongly worded joint statement ahead of June 25, the day set aside by Kenyans—especially Gen Z—to remember those killed during the 2024 Finance Bill protests.
The embassies called on the state and citizens to uphold the right to peaceful demonstrations, while urging restraint from violence and unlawful policing methods.
The statement, published just days before the anniversary, honoured all those who lost their lives in last year’s protests, noting that the demonstrations reflected widespread anger over policies affecting ordinary citizens.
“As citizens prepare to mark this anniversary, we call on all to facilitate peaceful demonstrations and refrain from violence,” read part of the statement.
The envoys also flagged a major concern—the deployment of plainclothes officers in unmarked cars, a tactic Kenya’s High Court had previously declared unlawful.
Goons and Disruption Plans Under Scrutiny
The diplomatic team didn’t stop there. They condemned the reported use of hired goons meant to create chaos during otherwise peaceful protests.
They reminded authorities that protecting the right to protest is not just about public order—it’s about defending the soul of democracy.
“Civic space must be protected,” they said. “Safeguarding the right to peaceful protest is essential.”
The embassies called for clear, timely, and unbiased investigations into every instance where peaceful protestors were met with violence or force. They stressed the importance of accountability, not just for the sake of victims, but to rebuild public trust.
“Transparency and justice must not be delayed,” they said. “Institutions must serve the people and uphold the law.”
The statement was jointly endorsed by diplomats from the US, UK, Germany, Canada, Australia, Finland, Ireland, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Switzerland—signalling global attention is firmly on Kenya ahead of this pivotal day.
As June 25 draws near, the world is watching. Foreign embassies are now publicly calling for Kenya to honour the memories of the fallen with justice, peace, and dignity, not threats, violence, or fear. The next steps will determine how the nation is remembered on this historic date.
