U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has recognized Kenyan youths' important role in the country's development and urged President Ruto to allow them to exercise their right to peaceful assembly and expression.
According to a statement from the U.S. State Department, Blinken highlighted the necessity of freedoms of assembly and expression as enshrined in Kenya's constitution.
Blinken also praised President Ruto for instructing the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) to investigate and prosecute police officers who used excessive force during recent anti-government protests. He commended Ruto's commitment to hold security forces accountable for any violence against protesters or disappearances.
The conversation also touched on Kenya's involvement in the multinational security support mission to Haiti. Blinken expressed gratitude for Kenya's contribution of over 600 police officers to combat gang violence in Haiti, reaffirming U.S. support with a pledge of over Ksh.39 billion for the mission.
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This dialogue comes amid calls for justice from Kenyans for the over 60 protesters killed during the demonstrations, as reported by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), urging the government to release those abducted and compensate affected families.
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