Unites States Embassy in Kenya and European embassies have issued a joint statement addressing the Kenyan government and law enforcement agencies, urging them to respect human rights and uphold the constitutional right to peaceful assembly ahead of planned Gen Z-led protests on Wednesday June 25.
In a statement issued on Tuesday June 24, the diplomatic missions expressed concern over recent reports of police brutality and called for restraint in handling demonstrators.
The embassies acknowledged that June 25 marks one year since Kenyans voiced their concerns through widespread protests at the 2024 Finance Bill.
They warned against the use of unmarked vehicles by police and the practice of officers covering their faces with masks, urging full compliance with legal and human rights standards.
European Embassies Issue Warning to Govt and Kenya Police Ahead of Gen Z Protests
At the same time, the embassies expressed concern over the reported use of hired ‘goons’ to infiltrate or disrupt peaceful gatherings, emphasizing that protecting the right to protest is essential to safeguarding civic space.
Here is the full statement:
June 25th marks one year since Kenyans voiced their concerns through widespread protests at the 2024 Finance Bill.
We remember those who lost their lives and reaffirm every Kenyan’s right to peaceful assembly and to express themselves,” read the statement in part.
As citizens prepare to mark this anniversary, we call on all to facilitate peaceful demonstrations and to refrain from violence.”
The use of plain clothed officers in unmarked vehicles erodes public trust and was ruled unlawful by the High Court. We urge full compliance with this ruling.
We are troubled by the use of hired ‘goons’ to infiltrate or disrupt peaceful gatherings. Protecting the right to protest is vital to preserving civic space and a cornerstone of Kenya’s vibrant democracy.
Also Read: Plan for June 25 Protests Revealed
Goons Infiltrate Peaceful Protests
The warning comes in the wake of protests held on Tuesday, June 17, in honour of Albert Ojwang, during which stick-wielding goons infiltrated the demonstrations, robbing civilians and looting shops.
The group was believed to be acting with the backing—or at least the tolerance—of police officers, who were reportedly seen turning a blind eye to the violence and theft.
Shop owners hastily shut their businesses as police officers fired tear gas into the crowds.
June 25 Anniversary
Nationwide protests have been planned for Tuesday, June 25, in honour of lives lost during recent demonstrations, with organisers calling it a National Remembrance Day for Kenya’s fallen heroes.
According to a viral poster circulating online, the protests—dubbed “Justice 4 Our Mashujaa”—will take place countrywide across all 47 counties starting from 10:00 am.
Also Read: Babu Owino’s Message to Sakaja After Expose of Goons Hired to Disrupt Protests
The protest is being led in memory of what the poster refers to as “our Gen Z Mashujaa”, a reference to young protestors who were brutally killed by the police during anti-government demonstrations that began in June last year.
“National Remembrance Day to honour our heroes, and demand justice and compensation for innocent protestors murdered by the Kenyan State. We shall march countrywide, in all the 47 counties, to remember our fallen heroes,” read the poster in parts.
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