Uzra Zeya, the US Department of State Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, speaks during her visit to Kenya on August 7.
In Summary:
- US Under Secretary Uzra Zeya criticizes Kenyan police’s excessive force against peaceful protesters and calls for accountability.
- Zeya emphasizes the importance of protecting fundamental freedoms and urges the Kenyan government to address protesters’ concerns and strengthen democratic institutions.
US Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Uzra Zeya, concluded her visit to Kenya with a strong condemnation of police actions against anti-government protesters.
During her trip, Zeya met with key figures including President William Ruto, National Security Advisor Monica Juma, and Chief Justice Martha Koome.
In her discussions with Kenyan officials, Zeya stated, “I condemned violence committed against peaceful protestors, human rights defenders and journalists and urged protection of the fundamental freedoms of peaceful assembly and expression as enshrined in Kenya’s constitution.”
She emphasized the need for security forces to exercise restraint, adding, “I also underscored the critical importance of security forces exercising restraint, rejecting violence in all its forms, and prompt investigations of and accountability for disappearances, excessive use of force, and other human rights abuses.”
Zeya’s visit comes at a critical time for Kenya, as the country faces youth-led protests over issues such as corruption.
With more demonstrations planned for August 8, Zeya expressed her condolences, saying, “I extend my deepest condolences for all loss of life and sympathies to those injured.”
The US official welcomed steps taken by the Kenyan government to address protesters’ concerns but encouraged further action.
She stated, “I encouraged President Ruto to take concrete action on his recent public pledges to strengthen rule of law, champion anti-corruption initiatives and advance accountability within his own government.”
Highlighting the importance of Kenya’s role in regional affairs, Zeya noted, “The United States is deeply appreciative of Kenya’s active leadership in addressing conflict across the African continent and around the world.”
She concluded by reiterating the US commitment to partnering with Kenya, referencing President Biden’s words: “As President Biden declared in welcoming President Ruto to Washington for his historic state visit, our two nations have shared responsibility to meet together as partners – for security, for prosperity, for innovation, and most importantly, for democracy.”