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Ambassadors and High Commissioners in Kenya have issued a joint statement expressing deep concern over the recent protests and violence in the country.

The statement follows a tumultuous day of protests during which a section of the Kenyan Parliament caught fire after protestors breached the building while several were injured and some were shot dead.

Envoy’s statement

The joint statement is by representatives from several diplomatic missions, including the Canadian High Commission, the Royal Danish Embassy, the Embassy of Finland, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Embassy of Ireland, the Embassy of the Netherlands, the Embassy of the Republic of Estonia, the Embassy of Norway, the Embassy of Sweden, the Embassy of Romania, the Embassy of Belgium, the British High Commission, and the Embassy of the United States of America.

“We are aware of the right to peaceful protest as guaranteed by Kenya’s constitution,” the envoys stated.

“All actors have the responsibility to respect, uphold, promote, and fulfil the principles of democracy and the rule of law, particularly by ensuring a proportionate security response.”

The diplomats expressed their shock and concern over the violence witnessed during the protests, specifically the scenes outside the Kenyan Parliament.

They regretted the loss of lives and injuries sustained, particularly due to the use of live bullets by police against demonstrators.

“We are deeply concerned by the violence witnessed in many parts of the country during the recent protests, and are especially shocked by the scenes witnessed outside the Kenyan Parliament. We regret the tragic loss of life and injuries sustained, including by the use of live fire,” the statement read.

The ambassadors and high commissioners also addressed the issue of abductions of protestors, expressing their alarm and urging respect for legal processes and human rights.

“We welcome the statement released by the Hon Chief Justice Martha Koome and are deeply concerned by allegations of abductions of protestors,” they added.

Their statement comes just hours after Tuesday’s dramatic events, during which protestors gained access to the Kenyan Parliament shortly after the Finance Bill 2024 passed the committee stage with 195 Members of Parliament voting in favour.

The day’s session was subsequently adjourned and is expected to resume on Wednesday.

Parliament breach

The breach occurred moments after the Azimio brigade walked out of Parliament in protest, declaring their complete rejection of the Bill and withdrawing their proposed amendments.

The leaders aligned with Azimio responded to public demand for the entire bill to be rejected.

The Finance Bill 2024 has sparked significant controversy and public outcry, leading to widespread protests across the country.

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