NAIROBI, Kenya – The Kenyan government has issued a formal diplomatic response to 12 foreign missions that recently called for peaceful protests and state accountability ahead of nationwide demonstrations set for Wednesday, June 25.
In a statement dated June 24, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs acknowledged the concerns raised by the envoys but warned against what it termed as interference in Kenya’s internal affairs.
The response follows a joint statement made public by ambassadors and high commissioners from Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, Australia, Switzerland, Norway, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Sweden, and Finland.
The diplomats had urged the Kenyan government to uphold civil liberties and ensure police restraint during the planned protests, which mark the anniversary of the deadly 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
“Rights Must Be Exercised Within the Law”
While affirming that freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly are “protected pillars” of Kenya’s constitutional democracy, the ministry insisted these rights are not absolute.
“They must be exercised peacefully, within the law, and with full regard for the rights of others,” the ministry stated.
The protests are expected to draw large crowds across major cities in memory of the more than 60 Kenyans who were killed during last year’s unrest.
Human rights groups documented cases of police brutality, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary arrests.
Government Cautions Against Diplomatic Overreach
In its formal response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the importance of respecting Kenya’s sovereignty and reminded diplomats of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which prohibits foreign representatives from interfering in the internal affairs of host countries.
“Kenya welcomes every partner in the global democratic project but cautions against expressions that may be interpreted as attempts to influence the country’s domestic political affairs,” the statement read.
It also urged foreign missions to raise any grievances through formal diplomatic channels rather than public platforms.
Accountability Within Institutions
Acknowledging concerns over police conduct during previous protests—especially the controversial deployment of plainclothes officers in unmarked vehicles—the government reassured the international community that oversight mechanisms were in place.
“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,” it said, pointing to oversight bodies such as Parliament, the Judiciary, and constitutional commissions.
Independent observers and courts have previously flagged unlawful policing methods, including the use of plainclothes officers to abduct protest leaders—an issue the foreign envoys explicitly highlighted in their statement.
“The use of plain clothes officers in unmarked vehicles erodes public trust and was ruled unlawful,” the diplomats had noted.
A Delicate Balancing Act
The diplomatic standoff comes at a tense political moment for Kenya. The protests, largely driven by Gen Z activists, are expected to be a major test of the government’s commitment to civil liberties.
While the government reiterated its pledge to uphold constitutional rights, it also stressed the need to balance those freedoms with public safety and national stability.
“The responsibility to protect Kenya’s democracy, lives, and property lies squarely with the State and must be exercised with restraint, legality, and care,” the statement read.
