The United Kingdom (UK) Deputy High Commissioner Ed Barnett has called for accountability for those who broke the law during the June 25, 2025, commemoration of the victims of last year’s anti-government demonstrations that led to the death of at least 60 people.
Speaking at a local TV station on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, Branet sent condolences to the families grieving the loss of their loved ones during the protests.
The deputy high commissioner went further to challenge the security agencies to take appropriate action on those involved in the wanton destruction of property and massive looting.
“First, I’d like to pass our condolences to families and friends who have lost loved ones, and I think on June 25, 2025, it can be difficult to disentangle the complexities of the events that day,” he stated.
“What we need to say is that anybody who broke the law ought to be held to account, and that’s essential,” Barnett added.
Furthermore, he has explained that the joint statement issued in conjunction with other diplomatic missions, ahead of the protests, aimed to encourage peaceful demonstrations during the commemoration.
“We joined together with other diplomatic missions to put out that call ahead of the first anniversary. Over the last number of weeks, there had been other instances of unrest and the tragic loss of life of Albert Ojwang in police custody, again, where we released a public statement. This was to encourage peaceful protests,” he added.
The envoys’ statement
The joint statement released on June 24, 2025, included ambassadors and high commissioners from Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, Australia, Switzerland, Norway, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Sweden, and Finland.
The diplomats expressed support for Kenyans’ right to voice concerns without fear of violence or intimidation.
They also called on all parties to support non-violent demonstrations while reaffirming the right of every Kenyan to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
The envoys raised concerns about the use of plainclothes officers in unmarked vehicles, noting that the High Court had already ruled such tactics unlawful and urged full compliance with that ruling to maintain public trust.
“The use of plainclothes officers in unmarked vehicles erodes public trust and was ruled unlawful by the high court.”
The diplomats also voiced concern over the use of hired goons to infiltrate or disrupt peaceful gatherings.
