KENYA BLASTS FOREIGN INTERFERENCE IN LIGHT OF PROTESTS

The Kenyan government has sharply slammed a statement made by a coalition of Western ambassadors and high commissioners ahead of the planned June 25 protests.

In a strongly worded diplomatic note to the embassies and high commissions of Denmark, Finland, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, the Minister for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, defended Kenya’s law enforcement system.

He highlighted Kenya’s commitment to upholding constitutional rights, while cautioning foreign diplomats against making “overly prescriptive” remarks.

“Kenya remains a willing partner in the global democratic project but cautions against expressions that are overly prescriptive and insensitive to the complex national and global environment in which all our states operate, and in particular the perilous challenges that democracies face,” part of the Ministry’s statement read.

The diplomatic response was issued just hours before the anniversary of last year’s anti-tax protests, with new demonstrations anticipated.

Although the Ministry acknowledged that policing concerns had been raised, it stressed that any allegations of misconduct are handled by Kenya’s independent bodies, including Parliament, the Judiciary, and other oversight institutions.

Without naming specific diplomats, the Ministry took issue with the joint statement posted on X, calling it “simplistic” and ignoring Kenya’s “complex national and global context.” The note also revealed the government’s mounting frustration at what it sees as continued foreign meddling in its domestic affairs.

“At times such as these, narratives purveyed as truth must be vigilantly tested for objectivity and fairness lest they serve to perpetuate political polarisation and harm the social fabric. The Ministry reminds all that Diplomatic partnerships flourish best in mutual respect, open channels, and a recognition of each other's unique governance contexts and challenges in line with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations,” it read .

Kenya’s communication ended by reiterating its commitment to working with international partners, while making clear that its sovereignty and national stability would not be compromised.

“The Ministry acknowledges concerns raised about certain policing methods and wishes to assure our partners that any violations, if established, are addressed through our institutions, including independent commissions, Parliament, and the Judiciary,” the statement added.

Earlier on Tuesday, June 25, a group of 12 Western diplomats warned against the deployment of hired goons and masked police officers during the protests. They expressed support for the demonstrations, which also serve as a tribute to those who lost their lives during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.

They also referenced the June 17 protests, which were disrupted by hired goons caught on camera attacking civilians and demonstrators in Nairobi’s CBD.

“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,” part of their statement read.

“The use of plainclothes officers in unmarked vehicles erodes public trust and was ruled unlawful by the High Court. We urge full compliance with this ruling,” the diplomats added.

The government seems to be in dilemma of seeking to maintain a cohesion with the foreign world and upholding their autonomic standards. As the protest anniversary takes stage , the government’s firm diplomatic stance signals its intent to safeguard its security policies despite increased international scrutiny.