Details of Blinken's call with President Ruto

Nairobi, 

Friday, 26 July, 2024 

McCreadie Andias 

US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken held a phone call with President William Ruto on Friday, 26 July, 2024, discussing the gravity of the ongoing Anti-government protests in Kenya and the Government's controversial management of the crisis. 

Blinken underscored the importance of freedoms of assembly and expression as enshrined in Kenyan’s constitution, a key aspect that has evidently been violated by state abductions and use of armed force by security agencies on peaceful protestors. 

The Secretary commended President Ruto for his pledge of accountability for security forces allegedly involved in protest violence or responsible for disappearances and his commitment to direct police to refrain from using violence of any kind against protesters. 

This comes after more than 60 people have been reportedly killed by police in the course of the Anti - Government protests.

According to the Kenya Human Rights commision, atleast 66 have been reported missing. 

The President on Wednesday ordered the immediate release of all persons wrongfully arrested in the course of the Anti - Government protests without being charged or prosecuted. 

The secretary emphasized the vital role played by youth and civil society organizations in healthy democracies, and urged respect for their contributions to Kenya’s development. 

Blinken thanked President Ruto for Kenya’s contributions to the multinational security support mission to Haiti as Kenya has now send atleast 400 police officers to restore peace and stability in the gang raved country. 

He also voiced concerns on the recent attacks and target of media practitioners as they cover the ongoing protests.

A female journalist from Media Max was shot three times on last weeks protests in Nakuru which sparked public uproar prompting journalists to march from all counties demanding for justice and freedom of media. 

The United States has however reiterated its continued commitment to stands with the Kenyan people as they build a more inclusive and prosperous Kenya.