NAIROBI, Kenya- As Kenya braces for fresh demonstrations on June 25, a coalition of Western envoys has issued a strongly worded statement urging the government to uphold the right to peaceful assembly, denounce state-linked violence, and protect civic space—especially as the country marks one year since the deadly anti-Finance Bill protests of 2024.
The message, signed by ambassadors and high commissioners from 12 countries including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Canada, and Sweden, couldn’t be clearer: Kenya’s democratic fabric is being tested—and the world is watching.
“June 25th marks one year since Kenyans voiced their concerns through widespread protests at the 2024 Finance Bill,” the diplomats wrote, honoring the dozens who lost their lives when police opened fire on unarmed demonstrators.
“We remember those who lost their lives and reaffirm every Kenyan’s right to peaceful assembly and to express themselves.”
That reminder feels more urgent than ceremonial. In recent weeks, protests reignited following the death of popular blogger Albert Ojwang, at the hands of police.
Demonstrators—mainly Gen Z—have once again taken to the streets, demanding accountability, justice, and the end of state violence.
Instead, they’ve been met with brutal force and notably the close range shooting of a hawker, that has caused outrage among Kenyans.
It’s a playbook that looks increasingly familiar—and increasingly alarming to Kenya’s international partners.
The joint statement zeroes in on several disturbing trends, including the use of plainclothes officers in unmarked vehicles, a tactic the High Court has declared unlawful. “This erodes public trust,” the envoys noted, calling on authorities to comply with court rulings.
More troubling still is the reported use of hired goons to infiltrate and disrupt peaceful protests—a strategy that not only sows chaos but shifts blame away from official security forces.
“Protecting the right to protest is vital to preserving civic space and a cornerstone of Kenya’s vibrant democracy,” the statement emphasized.
That civic space is exactly what tomorrow’s protesters are hoping to defend.
Organized largely by Kenya’s digitally-savvy and politically active youth, the June 25 protest is being framed as both a memorial and a rallying cry.
Demonstrators and the families of those who lost their loved ones plan to honor the victims of last year’s violence—many of whom were young people shot and killed by police—and continue pressing for police accountability, transparency in governance, and respect for human rights.
The timing is no accident. Saba Saba Day—a historic date associated with Kenya’s fight for multi-party democracy—is just around the corner.
Activists and rights defenders are increasingly drawing parallels between the authoritarian crackdowns of the past and the police brutality of today.
With tensions mounting, the diplomatic bloc renewed its call for “swift, transparent, and independent investigations” into all incidents of violence against peaceful protesters.
“Transparency and accountability are critical—not only for justice, but for restoring confidence in the institutions meant to serve and protect their citizens.”
It’s a statement that goes beyond polite diplomacy.
In essence, Kenya is being warned: democratic backsliding has consequences. And ignoring calls for reform risks further isolating the country on the global stage.
For now, all eyes are on Wednesday. Organizers say the protests will be peaceful. Whether the government responds in kind—or repeats last year’s tragic playbook—will define not just the day, but Kenya’s trajectory for years to come.
