Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs has responded to 12 countries that have expressed concerns over the demos planned for Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
In a statement on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, the government affirmed its support for rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression but with a duty to protect the public, prevent violence, and safeguard the peace.
This comes after 12 countries, including Denmark, Finland, Germany, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom, expressed concerns over how Kenyan police have been handling protestors in the past. The countries also expressed concerns over reports that hired goons could infiltrate the demos and harm protestors.
“June 25 marks one year since Kenyans voiced their concerns through widespread protests at the 2024 Finance Bill,” the statement began. “We remember those who lost their lives and reaffirm every Kenyan’s right to peaceful assembly and to express themselves.”
The diplomatic missions urged Kenyan authorities to support peaceful commemorations and to avoid any form of violence or disruption.
They warned against the use of plain-clothed police officers in unmarked vehicles, saying this had already damaged public trust and was declared illegal by Kenya’s High Court.
“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 said.
“We are troubled by the use of hired ‘goons’ to infiltrate or disrupt peaceful gatherings. Protecting the right to protest is vital to preserving civic space and a cornerstone of Kenya’s vibrant democracy.”
In response, the government says any violations, if established, are addressed through institutions including independent commissions, Parliament, and the Judiciary.
“The Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Kenya presents its compliments to the Embassies and High Commissions of twelve countries, respectively: Denmark, Finland, The Federal Republic of Germany, Norway. Switzerland, Sweden, United States, Canada Australia and United Kingdom in Nairobi and has the honour to refer to the recent social media post on X platform by ambassadors and high commissioners representing these missions, regarding the demonstration expected on 25th of June 2025,” the statement read in part.
“The Ministry wishes to affirm that the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression remains a protected pillar of Kenya’s constitutional democracy. Kenya’s democracy, however, does not operate in a vacuum. The responsibility to protect the public, prevent violence, and safeguard the peace lies squarely with the State and must be exercised with restraint, legality, and care. Our law enforcement operations are subject to the rule of law, judicial oversight, and public accountability.
The Ministry acknowledges concerns raised about certain policing methods and wishes to assure our partners that any violations, if established, are addressed through our institutions – including independent commissions, Parliament, and the Judiciary.”
The government has also cautioned the countries to scrutinise all reports during such times, which could injure the social fabric of the country.
“Kenya remains a willing partner in the global democratic project but cautions against expressions that are overly prescriptive and insensitive of the complex national and global environment in which all our states operate, and in particular, the perilous challenges that democracies face. At times such as these, narratives purveyed as truth must be vigilantly tested for objectivity and fairness lest they serve to perpetuate political polarization and harm the social fabric,” the statement added.
“The Ministry reminds all that Diplomatic partnerships flourish best in mutual respect, open channels, and a recognition of each other’s unique governance contexts and challenges in line with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.”
Francis Muli
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