Narok County Senator Ledama Olekina has hit back at a group of foreign embassies and high commissions that issued a joint statement ahead of the June 25, 2025, protest anniversary, accusing them of still operating with a superiority complex rooted in neocolonial thinking.

In an X statement on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, Ole Kina dismissed the advisory from the foreign missions as patronising and uncalled for, insisting that Kenya is a sovereign nation capable of managing its own democratic processes without being micro-managed by outsiders.

The senator noted that while he welcomes the interest and engagement of foreign diplomats in Kenya’s governance affairs, their approach must shift from condescending oversight to genuine partnership rooted in respect.

“I welcome foreign embassies sharing their views, but we must put a stop to the superiority complex they often exhibit. When will we, as a nation, be mature enough to manage our own democracy?” he asked.

Olekina expressed his displeasure with what he termed a recurring habit among some diplomatic circles to issue instructions and cautionary memos every time Kenyans exercise their right to protest, even when such demonstrations are peaceful and constitutionally protected.

“We should be capable of conducting peaceful demonstrations as respectful citizens. This neocolonial mindset must come to an end,” he added.

His remarks came in response to a joint statement shared by the UK High Commission and backed by 11 other diplomatic missions, including those of the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Australia, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Canada.

The statement was issued to mark the first anniversary of the historic June 25, 2024, anti-Finance Bill protests that saw thousands of Kenyans—mainly from the Gen Z generation—take to the streets in mass demonstrations.

“June 25 marks one year since Kenyans voiced their concerns through widespread protests at the 2024 Finance Bill. We remember those who lost their lives and reaffirm every Kenyan’s right to peaceful assembly and to express themselves,” the diplomatic statement read in part.

In addition to honouring the lives lost, the foreign missions called for non-violent commemorations and urged Kenyan authorities to uphold the right to protest while avoiding acts of repression.

They also condemned the use of plain-clothed officers in unmarked vehicles, warning that the tactic undermines public trust and violates court rulings.

“The use of plain-clothed officers in unmarked vehicles erodes public trust and was ruled unlawful by the High Court. We urge full compliance with this ruling,” the statement read.

However, Olekina insisted that Kenya must not allow its internal affairs to be policed from abroad, stating that while calls for peace are welcome, the underlying tone in such statements often implies that Kenyans are incapable of governing themselves without foreign supervision.

He urged the diplomatic community to honour Kenya’s political evolution and the strides it has made in democratic maturity, adding that the future must be shaped by Kenyans themselves, not dictated by distant desks in foreign capitals.

“When will we, as a nation, mature enough to manage our own democracy? We should be capable of conducting peaceful demonstrations as respectful citizens. This neocolonial mindset must come to an end.”