Written By Lisa Murimi
On Thursday, President William Ruto engaged in a phone call with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to address the recent Gen Z protests in Kenya and related issues surrounding police conduct.
According to a statement from the US Secretary of State’s Office, the conversation highlighted the significance of upholding constitutional freedoms, particularly the right to protest.
Blinken emphasized the need for respect towards civil society organizations and their role in democracy, reiterating the importance of freedom of assembly and expression.
He acknowledged President Ruto’s commitment to ensuring accountability for officers accused of excessive force during the demonstrations.
Ruto assured Blinken that measures would be taken to prevent the misuse of force by the police, who have been criticized for arbitrary arrests and alleged torture.
The call came amidst allegations against the Ford Foundation, which the Kenyan government accused of funding the protests. The US-based foundation has denied these claims.
Additionally, Blinken expressed gratitude for Kenya’s contributions to the multinational security mission in Haiti and reaffirmed US support for Kenya’s development.
Overall, the discussion highlighted the US’s commitment to democratic values and support for Kenya’s ongoing efforts towards a more inclusive society.
