Kenyans will enjoy freedom of assembly, expression – Sing’oei

By Moses Muli

Published: July 26,2024 5:56 PM

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei has responded to the United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

This is after Blinken and President William Ruto held a phone conversation.

Blinken’s spokesperson, Matthew Miller said the two discussed the need to protect the voices of Kenyan youths and civil society.

In a statement, Sing’oei assured Kenyans of their freedom of assembly and expression.

“We are grateful for the partnership of the United States in the forging of a more inclusive and prosperous Kenya,” he said.

“We assure that citizens’ freedom of assembly and expression when exercised responsibly within the remit of our Constitution will enjoy every protection.”

During the conversation between the two leaders, Blinken reiterated the importance of defending the media.

His spokesperson Miller said the Secretary of State also urged Ruto to ensure the security forces in the country are held accountable for their actions.

“In a call with Kenyan President Ruto Blinken reiterated the need to defend and protect the voices of youth, civil society, and media. The Secretary also underscored that the security forces need to be held accountable,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

This comes in the wake of anti-government protests sustained by the Kenyan Gen Zs.

The protests that have run for slightly over a month have left Kenyans dead, others sustaining serious injuries and properties destroyed.

Human rights organizations have accused the police of using excessive force on innocent protesters who are in the streets calling for better service from the government.

The Kenyan government last week wrote to the Ford Foundation demanding answers over funding extended to some organizations in Kenya which the State suspects could have had a hand in the latest protests.

The government of Kenya listed 16 non-governmental organizations in connection to the protests.

The Ford Foundation, however, defended its funding criteria to the organizations even as it maintained its stand against anarchy.

The Foundation reiterated that while it supports the right of Kenyans to peacefully advocate for a just and equitable country, they don’t support any acts that advocate violence.

“…We repudiate any actions or speech that are hateful or advocate violence against any institution, individual, or community,” the statement read.

It has also stated that it will remain committed to building on its 60-year-old legacy in the region so that Kenyans can unlock opportunities that benefit them.

According to the Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNHRC) as of Thursday, at least 60 people have died as a result of the protests.

Another 66 persons are missing and cannot be traced.