The United States is intensifying its pressure on Kenyan President William Ruto, demanding that he ensure justice for those affected by the brutal police response to protests that occurred in mid-June. These protests were sparked by widespread dissatisfaction with a new finance bill introduced by the Kenyan government.
The protests, which primarily involved young people expressing their frustration with the worsening economic conditions, led to a violent crackdown by the police.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported that at least 61 people were killed and over 60 others went missing as a result of the police actions. The severe and often deadly response has drawn significant outrage both within Kenya and internationally.
US Senator Chris Murphy, a key figure in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has taken a strong stance on this issue. Following a recent trip to Kenya, Murphy conveyed the US government's demand for accountability directly to President Ruto.
His visit was a follow-up to concerns raised by Uzra Zeya, the Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, who also visited Kenya in July and expressed similar concerns.
Murphy criticized the violent and poorly managed crackdown, stating that such actions often lead to increased instability rather than resolving the underlying issues.
He emphasized that the relationship between the US and Kenya, which has been strong, cannot reach its full potential unless Ruto’s administration demonstrates a genuine commitment to holding those responsible for the abuses accountable.
The crackdown has overshadowed the previously positive diplomatic relations between Nairobi and Washington. This strained relationship is significant because President Ruto's state visit to the US in May was a notable event.
During this visit, President Joe Biden honored Ruto with a state visit, a rare gesture for an African leader. Biden also pledged to designate Kenya as a major non-NATO ally, a status held by only 16 countries worldwide.
However, the recent violence and the lack of accountability for the police officers involved have cast a shadow over this diplomatic goodwill.
The US is particularly concerned with how Kenya handles these issues due to its strategic importance amid growing influences from China, Russia, and Gulf states in Africa.
The police response to the protests has led to a significant international and domestic backlash. Despite ongoing investigations by Kenya’s Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), no police officers have been prosecuted or dismissed in connection with the protests.
This lack of action has not gone unnoticed, and there is increasing frustration among MPs and the public. In response to the ongoing situation, MPs have demanded that IPOA provide a detailed report on its investigations into the deaths and other violations by the end of August.
Gathoni Wamuchomba, a member of parliament, voiced widespread frustration by confronting IPOA officials about their lack of progress in holding those responsible accountable. She questioned what actions IPOA had taken to address the serious issues of abductions, deaths, and human rights violations.
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