With only hours left before the highly anticipated June 25 protests, Belgut Member of Parliament Nelson Koech has issued a stern statement directed at foreign diplomats, accusing them of overstepping their mandate by interfering in Kenya’s internal governance.

Through a statement shared on Wednesday, June 24, Koech, who also chairs the National Assembly’s Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations, faulted several ambassadors and high commissioners accredited to Kenya for issuing remarks he deemed intrusive and diplomatically inappropriate.

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— NELSON KOECH (@KoechNelsonK) June 24, 2025

“As Chairperson of the National Assembly’s Committee on Defence, Intelligence & Foreign Relations, I wish to underscore that Kenya remains firmly committed to upholding democratic principles, including the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, as enshrined in our Constitution,” Koech stated.

Koech emphasised Kenya’s commitment to democratic values, including the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.

However, he expressed concern over what he described as a rising trend of foreign missions commenting on Kenya’s domestic affairs in a manner that undermines the nation’s sovereignty.

He defended the state’s security operations, stressing that they are governed by the rule of law and subject to checks and balances from independent institutions such as the judiciary, parliament, and civilian commissions.

Govt’s role

According to him, the government’s responsibility to maintain public order and safeguard national stability is critical, particularly during periods when civic actions risk being infiltrated by criminal elements.

“Security operations conducted by the state must always be governed by the rule of law. In the same breath, the state is duty-bound to maintain public order and protect lives, property, and national stability—especially in moments where genuine civic action risks being hijacked by criminal or violent elements. These responsibilities are neither arbitrary nor unchecked; they are subject to oversight by our independent judiciary, parliament, and civilian commissions,” he added.

The MP criticised the language used by the diplomats in their joint statement, suggesting that it mirrored partisan narratives often used by activists, which he argued could distort the reality on the ground.

He asserted that Kenya values diplomatic engagement grounded in respect and mutual understanding, not politically charged rhetoric.

Reaffirming Kenya’s democratic path, Koech called for diplomatic conduct that aligns with international principles of non-interference and respect for national sovereignty. He portrayed Kenya as a stable, democratic nation that is committed to maintaining firm and respectful global partnerships.

June 25 protests

On June 25, 2025, Kenya’s planned “Justice4OurMashujaa” protests aimed to honour those killed during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations and to demand justice for victims of police brutality, including blogger Albert Ojwang, who died in custody. Driven by Gen Z activists, the peaceful protests sought accountability and addressed governance issues.