US warns over police brutality on protesters

A youth lights a candle in memory of the victims who succumbed to Police brutality during the protests against Finance Bill 2024 outside Nairobi Jivanjee on Sunday 30, June 2024. [Samson Wire, Standard]

Kenya risks consequences for police brutality on peaceful protesters and human rights abuses, actions that have concerned US President Joe Biden's administration.

A top US official condemned the state's violent suppression of youth-led protests, challenging President William Ruto to match his commitment against rogue officers with action.

Addressing a press briefing at the US Embassy in Nairobi, yesterday, Uzra Zeya, the US State Department's Undersecretary for Civilian Security, Human Rights and Labour, said Washington was "vigilant" about Kenya's developing affairs.

"US security systems, partnerships, cooperation programmes are also subject to US law that requires that we are vigilant with respect to our partners upholding human rights and where there allegations of gross violations of human rights we have to be attentive and call for accountability," Ms Zeya said.

She was responding to a question whether there would be consequences if civil rights abuses against protesters continued. The US official, who was in Kenya on a two-day visit met President Ruto on Tuesday. She also engaged Chief Justice Martha Koome, Ruto's national security advisor Monica Juma, senior Interior Ministry officials, civil society representatives and "young change-makers and democratic reformers," among other stakeholders, describing the engagements as "fruitful".

Her remarks came hours to the 'Nane Nane' protests planned for today. Sources said cases of abductions of youth and other Kenyans have caused increasing concern within President Biden's administration.

Zeya's visit comes amid increased pressure by Washington on Ruto's administration over police killings of peaceful protesters and abductions, among other human rights abuses.

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken also recently urged the president to ensure accountability for crimes committed by overbearing law enforcement agents, who have attacked protesters, medical personnel and journalists during the demos.

Nearly 60 Kenyans have died, with more than 400 others injured. More than 1,000 have been arrested for over the protests, with the police often accused of provoking violent clashes.

Zeya's visit is seen as perhaps the most significant expression of Washington's concern over continued violations of human rights by Ruto's administration. The US Embassy has recently been faulted over their alleged silence as such violations take place.

Zeya said she had "condemned violence against peaceful protesters, human rights defenders and journalists," during her meeting with Ruto.