A unified statement released by Western diplomats regarding the current protests in Kenya has been rejected by Russia.
The diplomatic community in Kenya appealed for dialogue on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, to prevent the planned anti-government demonstrations scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
"We are distressed by the deaths and alarmed by the high levels of violence, including the firing of live ammunition and the destruction of property, during the recent rallies. We acknowledge the daily struggles that many Kenyans face and urge all parties to raise their issues through constructive dialogue and settle their differences amicably to unite the country and prevent further casualties, according to a portion of the statement released by Western diplomats, led by the US and UK.
The Russian Embassy in Kenya quickly responded to the joint statement released by Western diplomats.
Did you read this?
Russia claimed that the Western diplomats' statement was merely an intrusion into Kenya's internal affairs.
"What is it, if not meddling in domestic affairs?" Tweets from the Russian embassy.
It's not the first time the Russian Embassy in Kenya has made this strong statement.
In May 2023, Kenya's senior officials and Russia joined forces to overturn a Supreme Court decision allowing the LGBTQ community to organize their group formally.
If it is not interference in internal affairs, what is it? pic.twitter.com/UR4wf1LvhV
— Russian Embassy in Kenya/Посольство России в Кении (@russembkenya) July 18, 2023
The Russian Embassy in Kenya has made a declaration this bold before.
In May 2023, Russia joined prominent Kenyan figures to overturn a Supreme Court decision allowing the LGBTQ population in that nation to organize their group formally.