US Asks William Ruto To Hold Police Who Abducted, Killed Anti-Govt Protesters Accountable

• The United States has urged President William Ruto to hold police officers accountable for their involvement in the killing and abduction of protesters
• The U.S., through Senator Chris Murphy, affirmed Kenya’s need to uphold democracy and ensure the rights of Kenyans to protest peacefully
• He emphasised the importance of democracy in the country, stating that for it to be achieved, the government must guarantee everyone’s right to peaceful protest

The United States is now urging President William Ruto to hold police officers accountable for their involvement in the killing of protesters during recent anti-government demonstrations.

Why is US asking Ruto to hold police accountable?

The US, through Senator Chris Murphy, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, reported discussing with Ruto and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi their concerns about the deaths and abductions of Kenyans during protests.

After his recent visit to the country, Murphy affirmed that Kenya's relationship with the U.S. could not reach its full potential unless the Kenya Kwanza government held accountable those who violated Kenyans' rights.

"There were reports of very brutal treatment of protestesrs by the Kenyan police forces. That's unacceptable. For our alliance with Kenya to grow, the right of citizens to protest peacefully must be protected," Murphy said.

He affirmed that during their visit to Kenya, the youth they met urged them to raise the issue with the president during their meeting.

He emphasised the importance of democracy in the country, stating that for it to be achieved, the government must guarantee everyone’s right to peaceful protest.

"Hopefully, the president and the foreign minister heard those demands. We want democracy to be alive and well. We want it to prosper here in Kenya. But the only way that happens is for every citizen in Kenya to be able to protest the government peacefully," he added.

US warns Ruto to respect Gen Zs' rights

This comes after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken's remarks on Kenya’s situation, specifically addressing youth protests.

Blinken called for Ruto to protect and support the voices of youth, civil society, and the media.

In a phone conversation with Ruto, he urged the president to respect the role of youth in the country’s development.

Blinken further emphasized the importance of youth rights to express themselves through street demonstrations, as outlined in Kenya's constitution.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, current affairs journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

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