President William Ruto has been issued with an ultimatum ahead of a state visit by Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima.
The royals are expected in Kenya from Tuesday, March 18, to Thursday, March 20.
However, Amnesty International has called on both Kenyan and Dutch authorities to make human rights a central focus of their discussions, warning against prioritizing economic and diplomatic interests.
Further, Irungu Houghton, Amnesty International Kenya Section Director, asked the two parties to ensure that economic, military and other interests are not prioritized.
“The three Dutch ministers and the Royal Couple must use this opportunity to place human rights at the center of diplomatic relations between Kenya and the Netherlands.
“Amnesty International urges both Kenyan and Dutch ministers to publicly outline during the visit how human rights in Kenya will improve. Economic, military and other interests must not be prioritized at the cost of human rights,” stated the director.
Also Read: The Hague Backs Kenyans Over Cancellation of King and Queen’s Visit
What Ruto Has Been Tasked to Discuss
The visit from the royals from the Netherlands comes amid growing concerns over a violent crackdown in Kenya.
According to the human rights body, security forces have been accused of using excessive force against protesters, resulting in over 60 deaths in the past 9 months.
Also, they noted that reports indicate that more than 80 activists, many of them young Kenyans, have been abducted by masked agents.
Ruto and the royals have also been asked to discuss the allegations of torture and enforced disappearances continuing unchecked.
Moreover, the two countries have been asked to openly announce the way forward after the discussions.
“Amnesty International calls on both authorities to place human rights at the heart of the visit, address human rights violations and commit to accountability for all victims following the recent brutal crackdown on human rights,” added the statement.
Also Read: Mudavadi Speaks on Ties with Netherlands After Kenyans Flood Royal Email
Govt Backs Decision to Have the Royals Visit
While addressing the opposition to the visit by a section of Kenyans in January 2025, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said that the partnership between Kenya and the Netherlands is strong, with the European country ranking among the top investors in Kenya.
“We did not invite the King of the Netherlands or the Royal Family to visit through social media. There are government channels for such invitations.
“So, where is this rumor coming from that because a few people have played on social media that it has affected our relationship with Netherlands? It is wishful thinking, our partnership with the Netherlands is very solid, they are strong investors in this country, they will continue being strong investors in this country,” said the CS.
On March 4, a petition, signed by 22,400 supporting individuals, seeks the cancellation of a visit by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Máxima was officially submitted to the Dutch Parliament.
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