12 EMBASSIES CONDEMN USE OF PLAIN-CLOTHED OFFICERS AND HIRED GOONS IN PROTESTS

On the one-year anniversary of the 2024 Finance Bill protests, 12 diplomatic missions in Kenya has issued a joint statement urging all parties to uphold peaceful demonstrations and refrain from violence.

The statement, endorsed by embassies representing North America, Europe, and Australia, begins: “We remember those who lost their lives and reaffirm every Kenyan’s right to peaceful assembly and to express themselves.“

The embassies called on all to facilitate peaceful demonstrations,“Use of plain clothed officers in unmarked vehicles erodes public trust and was ruled unlawful by the high court.”

The diplomats expressed alarm over reported “use of hired ‘goons’ to infiltrate or disrupt peaceful gatherings,” emphasising that such actions undermine Kenya’s democratic foundations.

The statement calls for “swift, transparent, and independent investigations into all incidents of violence against peaceful protestors,” stressing that justice is essential to restoring public confidence in institutions.

“Protecting the right to protest is vital to preserving civic space and a cornerstone of Kenya’s vibrant democracy,” the statement read while urging compliance with legal rulings and restraint from all sides.

The joint position was endorsed by the embassies of: Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden, Ukraine, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States.