NAIROBI, Kenya – The planned historic state visit by the King and Queen of the Netherlands, Willem-Alexander and Máxima, to Kenya lies in limbo after tens of Kenyans sent emails to the Royal House of the Netherlands urging them to reconsider their trip over rampant abductions.
His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Máxima are to pay a state visit to Kenya at President William Ruto’s invitation.
The visit, which aims to strengthen the strong relations between the two countries, will take place from Tuesday, March 18, to Thursday, March 20, 2025.
Why Nelson Amenya is against the state visit
However, some Kenyans have publicly expressed dissatisfaction following the invitation of the King and Queen’s state visit to the East African nation, accusing the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration of abductions.
Kenyan-born Nelson Amenya, a whistleblower and a brand designer, started the raging debate to block the state visit.
Amenya, who is recognized for exposing secret negotiations involving an Indian firm and the potential takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), shared contact details of the Royal House of Netherlands on his official X account.
One of the emails sent to King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, urging them to cancel their state visit to Kenya. The email highlights human rights violations, state abductions, corruption, and worsening living conditions under President Ruto’s government.
He called upon like-minded Kenyans to contact the King and Queen and urge them not to visit Kenya due to the ongoing forceful abductions.
“I’m sure Kenyans would like to send some greetings to His Majesty the King of the Netherlands as he plans to visit Kaongo. See contact details below,” wrote Amenya while attaching a copy of the confirmed visit letter and the contact details to the post.
How Kenyans reacted to Nelson Amenya’s call
Kenyans who heeded Amenya’s call quickly started sending emails and sharing screenshots on his post.
“Civic duty DONE,” wrote one @EUNICEN01962312.
Another X user, @gilly_rose218, wrote:
“Done… bado ntume videos na mapicha sasa 
… Evidence kwa kalatas ni lazima.”
@didier_mamai said:
“I have done civil education for the king.”
@mesocarpp wrote:
“They will not believe.”
Another X @nyairure, who also sided with Amenya, wrote:
“If you look at some of the things to be discussed, highlighted, keeping in mind ICC iko wapi, then it’s important to do the needful.”
I’m sure Kenyans would like to send some greetings to His majesty the King of Netherlands as he plans to visit kaongo. See contact details below.
All we know about the Dutch King and Queen’s Kenyan visit
While confirming the visit, the Royal House of Netherlands stated that the European nation seeks to engage in new partnerships in various areas and deepen the countries’ existing ties.
“Kenya plays an increasingly influential role in the global arena. In addition, the Netherlands and Kenya maintain close economic relations, and both are major hubs and gateways to large regions,” the statement reads in part.
👑 His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Máxima are to pay a state visit to Kenya, at the invitation of President William Ruto. The visit will take place from Tuesday 18 to Thursday 20 March 2025. 🇰🇪 🇳🇱 royal-house.nl/latest/news/20…
The Netherlands also said that the two countries work together actively towards goals relating to democracy, the rule of law, and the independence of the judiciary within the UN and other international organisations.
“The Netherlands and Kenya also work together on challenges relating to peace and security, climate change, and food security. Economic missions focusing on sustainable agriculture and water will parallel the King and Queen’s state visit.”
Why rampant abductions have rattled Kenyans
However, a wave of abductions has swept over Kenya; according to the state-funded rights group, more than 80 people have been kidnapped in the past six months.
Although the authorities have not acknowledged responsibility, it is generally assumed that security operatives are responsible for the kidnappings, which typically target government critics.
The abductions rose in December 2024 after widely circulated AI-generated images of the president in a coffin, although they started in June of the same year during nationwide anti-tax demonstrations.
The youth-led protests forced President Ruto to withdraw a series of planned tax rises and shook his government, undermining his authority.
