A collage featuring President William Ruto (right) and US President Joe Biden (left). IMAGE: PCS
In Summary:
- US Secretary of State Blinken urges Kenyan security to avoid excessive force.
- Economic discussions held following the withdrawal of the Finance Bill.
Moments after President William Ruto withdrew the Finance Bill 2024, the United States administration, led by President Joe Biden, reached out to him.
US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken made the call, stressing the need for Kenyan security forces to exercise restraint and avoid excessive force against protestors.
The conversation also touched on the economic implications of withdrawing the Bill, which aimed to raise over Ksh300 billion.
State Department Spokesperson Matthew Miller highlighted Kenya’s strategic importance to US foreign policy, stating, “In a call with Kenyan President Ruto, Secretary Blinken emphasized the importance of reducing tensions and ensuring security services demonstrate restraint and refrain from violence. The U.S. will remain a steadfast partner of Kenya’s government and people as they address economic challenges.”
In a separate briefing, Blinken confirmed that the US had evidence of excessive force used by Kenyan security officers on protestors.
He stated, “We have seen well-documented reports of violence against protesters. In our conversation with the Kenyan Government, we emphasized the use of non-lethal methods to prevent civilian harm during peaceful protests.”
The issue also drew reactions from Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (Minnesota’s 5th District) and US Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield. Ambassador Greenfield condemned the use of live bullets against protestors, stressing, “No Kenyan should be put in harm’s way while exercising their right to peaceful public assembly.”
She praised President Ruto for responding to the public’s pleas and shelving the Finance Bill.
Representative Omar expressed deep concern over the police’s use of live ammunition, excessive force, and targeting of journalists.
She urged for immediate action on cases of protestors being abducted, stating, “The use of deadly force against civilians exercising their democratic rights not only violates basic human rights but also undermines Kenya’s democratic foundations.”
Omar also criticized the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) austerity measures, noting that they disproportionately affect the most vulnerable and can exacerbate social unrest.
She expressed solidarity with the protesting Kenyans, drawing on her East African roots.