The United States government has reminded Kenyan President William Ruto of the citizens’ right to protest amid demonstrations shaking the country.
In a statement released on Thursday by the U.S. Department of State, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken emphasized the importance of the freedoms of assembly and expression enshrined in Kenya’s constitution.
Mr Blinken, in his conversation with Mr Ruto, the statement said, “underscored the importance of freedoms of assembly and expression as enshrined in Kenyan’s constitution, emphasised the vital role played by youth and civil society organisations in healthy democracies, and urged respect for their contributions to Kenya’s development.”
The U.S. reminder comes amid nearly six weeks of widespread protests that have significantly disrupted economic and commercial activities in Kenya.
The demonstrations were triggered by a controversial Finance Bill introduced on June 18, proposing new taxes on cars, phones, bread, and other essential commodities.
Kenyan police had imposed a ban on protests in the capital, Nairobi, but this decision was overturned by a court, affirming citizens’ right to protest.
The unrest has led to the deaths of at least 50 civilians as police used excessive force to suppress the demonstrators.
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