The Government of Kenya has issued a strongly worded diplomatic note in response to a social media statement made by ambassadors and high commissioners representing a bloc of Western countries ahead of the anticipated June 25th demonstrations.
In a formal communication addressed to the embassies and high commissions of Denmark, Finland, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs defended Kenya’s policing framework, reaffirming its commitment to constitutional freedoms while cautioning foreign missions against “overly prescriptive” pronouncements.
“Kenya’s democracy does not operate in a vacuum,” the statement asserted, adding that while the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression remains protected, the State bears the responsibility of maintaining law and order — a duty it pledged to discharge with “restraint, legality, and care.”
The diplomatic rebuke comes a day before the anniversary of last year’s nationwide anti-tax protests, which are expected to be marked by renewed demonstrations.
The Ministry acknowledged that concerns over policing methods had been raised but insisted that any alleged violations are handled by Kenya’s independent institutions, including Parliament, the Judiciary, and oversight commissions.
Without naming individual diplomats, the Ministry took issue with the joint statement issued on X (formerly Twitter), describing it as lacking nuance and dismissive of Kenya’s “complex national and global environment.” The response hinted at growing irritation within the government over what it sees as a pattern of foreign interference in domestic affairs.
“Narratives purveyed as truth must be vigilantly tested for objectivity and fairness,” the statement warned, cautioning that international commentary could “perpetuate political polarization and harm the social fabric.”
While reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to global democratic values, the Ministry called for “mutual respect” and reminded foreign diplomats of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which governs conduct and engagement between states.
The note ends with Kenya reaffirming its willingness to remain engaged with international partners — but not at the expense of its sovereignty or national stability.
Observers view the move as part of a broader recalibration of Kenya’s foreign policy tone, particularly in response to Western scrutiny over domestic governance and human rights. With tensions already high ahead of the protest anniversary, the exchange signals the government’s resolve to defend its security posture amid mounting international attention.
