Ambassadors and High Commissioners in Kenya have voiced concern over the violence and destruction of property witnessed during Azimio's recent anti-government protests.
Envoys from 13 countries, including Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States, issued a joint statement on Tuesday calling for dialogue between President William Ruto's administration and the Raila Odinga-led opposition to resolve their differences peacefully.
“We are saddened by the loss of life and concerned by high levels of violence, including the use of live rounds and the destruction of property, during the recent demonstrations,” reads the statement.
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“We recognise the daily hardship faced by many Kenyans and urge all parties to table their concerns through a meaningful dialogue and resolve their differences peacefully to build the nation together, ensuring no further loss of life.” it adds.
The envoys said they are willing to arbitrate between the government and the opposition, adding, "We stand ready to support the parties in their efforts to find constructive and peaceful solutions."
Joint statement by Heads of Missions on Demonstrations in Kenya. pic.twitter.com/1MjoAZGQ7q
— U.S. Embassy Nairobi (@USEmbassyKenya) July 18, 2023
the opposition has promised that the planned anti-government protests will go as scheduled for three days. Raila odinga has promised. A game-changing maandamano.
"Starting on Wednesday, be ready for the game-changing Maandamano," Raila Odinga said on Monday.
Opiyo Wandayi, National Assembly Minority Leader, stated on Monday at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation (JOOF) that they will not back down from exercising their constitutional right to demonstrate peacefully.
The Ugunja MP stated that no authority, including President William Ruto, could prevent the planned protests from taking place.
