U.S Embassy urges Kenyans, police to shun violence during protests

The United States Embassy to Kenya is now urging both police and protesters to shun violence during the ongoing wave of anti-government demonstrations witnessed across the country over the last two months.

The Embassy, in a statement released on Thursday evening, told the police to exercise restraint while executing their mandate, keeping in mind that the law allows citizens the right to picket peacefully.

It also, on the other hand, urged Kenyans who have been taking to the streets to do so without chaos and shun such criminal activities as looting other people’s properties and barricading roads in the process.

“The Embassy urges police to exercise restraint and protect the rights of people to demonstrate peacefully,” read the statement.

“We call on provocateurs and opportunists to avoid blocking roads and looting businesses. All actors - police and protesters alike - should repudiate violence and be held accountable for wrongdoing.”

The Embassy expressed regret over the escalating violence during the protests and the subsequent loss of lives, with the number of deaths rising to 53 following the Tuesday demonstrations.

It called for constructive engagement between citizens and the civil society, aided by a free and independent media, to protect democracy.

“As we enter the fifth week of protests throughout Kenya and surpass 50 protest-related deaths, the Embassy of the United States of America notes with profound regret the loss of life and destruction of people's livelihoods and calls on all actors to remain peaceful and respect the rule of law,” the statement added.

“We are deeply concerned by reports of violence, including shootings and abductions of protestors, journalists, and others.”

Reflecting on the long-standing relationship between the United States and Kenya, the Embassy noted the Kenyan government's recent remarks on addressing public grievances.

“As a long-time friend and partner to Kenya, the Embassy notes the government's July 18 remarks about addressing public grievances and encourages the government to continue taking steps forward, including on corruption and accountability, to promote national unity and reconciliation,” it stated.

“As both of our countries strive to build stronger democracies that deliver peace and prosperity for our citizens, this is an important moment for all Kenyans to demonstrate the democratic values we share.”