Thirteen ambassadors and High Commissioners in Kenya have raised concern over ongoing anti-government protests.
In a statement on Tuesday, July 18, the envoys urged both Kenya Kwanza government and the opposition to harmoniously resolve their differences to prevent further loss of life.
“We recognize the daily hardship faced by many Kenyans and urge all parties to table their concerns through a meaningful dialogue and resolve their differences peacefully to build the nation together, ensuring no further loss of life,” read part of the statement.
They further condemned violence and the use of live ammunition during the last demonstrations that left more than twenty people dead and several nursing injuries.
“We are saddened by the loss of life and concerned by high levels of violence, including the use of live rounds, and the destruction of property, during the recent demonstrations,” the statement reads.
Also Read: Azimio Protests Catch United Nations Attention
Moreover, they vowed to support the two parties in finding peaceful solutions to the protests.
“We stand ready to support the parties in their efforts to find constructive and peaceful solutions.” It continues.
Ambassadors and High Commissioners Who Issued the Joint Statement
- Canada – Christopher Thornley, High Commissioner
- Finland – Pirkka Tapiola, Ambassador
- Australia – Luke Williams, High Commissioner
- Denmark – Ole Thonke, Ambassador
- Germany – Sebastian Groth, Ambassador
- Sweden – Caroline Vicini, Ambassador
- Ireland – Fionnuala Quinlan, Ambassador
- Netherlands – Maarten Brouwer, Ambassador
- Norway – Geir Arne Schei, Charge D’affaires
- Switzerland – Valentin Zellweger, Ambassador
- United Kingdom – Josephine Gauld, Charge D’affaires
- Ukraine – Andrii Pravednyk, Ambassador
- United States – Meg Whitman, Ambassador
UN Human Rights Office Express Concern on Kenya Protests
The joint statement comes in a day before the planned three-day anti-government protests with Azimio la Umoja One Kenya leadership maintaining that the demos are still on.
Furthermore, the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Office on Friday, July 14 called for thorough investigations into the deaths and injuries that occurred during the anti-government protests.
Also Read: Azimio Gives Update a Day to Wednesday Protests
The UN Office spokesperson Jeremy Laurence in a statement expressed concern over the widespread violence during anti-government protests in Kenya.
“We call for prompt, thorough, independent, and transparent investigations into the deaths and injuries. Those responsible must be held to account. Effective measures to prevent further deaths and injuries must be adopted,” the statement reads in part.
