Written By Lisa Murimi
A coalition of Western embassies in Nairobi expressed concern on October 31, 2024, over ongoing arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances in Kenya, following the country’s election to the United Nations Human Rights Council.
The statement underscored Kenya’s new responsibility to uphold human rights globally and domestically.
“We extend our congratulations to Kenya on its election to the UN Human Rights Council,” read the statement.
“The Council faces great challenges in promoting and protecting human rights worldwide, and its work is essential.”
The ambassadors pledged support for Kenya’s role but voiced concerns over recent human rights violations, urging the government to uphold constitutional safeguards and respect judicial rulings.
The embassies pointed to a troubling pattern of unresolved High Court rulings, with persistent reports of extrajudicial actions by security agencies.
They called for swift investigations into alleged abuses, emphasizing the need for transparency to reinforce Kenya’s commitment to human rights.
Following a recent exposé by the Nation, the embassies also condemned apparent collusion between security agencies and telecom firms, enabling unauthorized access to citizens’ private data.
U.S. Ambassador Meg Whitman condemned these violations, stating, “Democracies must respect privacy and the rule of law.”
Kenya’s Human Rights Commission echoed these concerns, urging transparency to restore public trust.
