Meg Whitman, the united states Ambassador to Kenya, has voiced grave concern about reports of attacks on journalists reporting protests in the country.
Whitman stated in a message on Thursday that press freedom and safety are critical components of democracy.
"The United States is deeply concerned by recent reports of attacks against journalists. Protecting press freedom and safety is a cornerstone of democracy," she said.
The United States is deeply concerned by recent reports of attacks against journalists. Protecting press freedom and safety is a cornerstone of democracy.
Did you read this?
— U.S. Ambassador Meg Whitman (@USAmbKenya) March 31, 2023
Her tweet came after another day of violent demonstrations in Kenya by Azimio la Umoja coalition supporters, which former Prime Minister Raila Odinga heads.
Protesters are calling on President William Ruto to meet several demands, accusing him of not being legally elected in last year's election and failing to address increasing living costs.
azimio la Umoja leader raila odinga has maintained that the azimio anti-government protests would continue until their demand are met. He said that he would not retreat even if he were tear-gassed.
"Sisi si wendawazimu, na sisi si wajinga, ilhali sisi ni Wakenya wazalendo wanaotaka Kenya ikombolewe. Tunataka Kenya ibadilike na Wakenya wasidhulumiwe. Pia tunataka mabadiliko ya kikatiba na server ifunguliwe," said Raila.
"We are extremely rational people, and we think that we have very good reasons why we need to talk," Odinga added. "But if the other side is not willing to engage, these demonstrations will continue."
President William ruto has, however, dismissed the ongoing protest saying that they have nothing to do with the cost of living but rather with the last elections. While speaking to german tv while on a tour of the country, the head of state said that the courts had already decided the matter about the elections.
The interior cs kithure kindiki has declared the protests illegal
