The Kenyan Goverment has debunked the Office of the United Nations Human Rights (OHCHR) statement on protests in some parts of the country, alleging ‘widespread violence’ and ‘unnecessary or disproportionate use of force’.
In a Press statement released by the Minister of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Dr Alfred N. Mutual on Wednesday, saying the Govt through the Ministry protested to the office of the OHCHR Spokesperson on his unsubstantiated statement.
According to him, “It is, therefore, unfortunate that on 14th July 2023, the Spokesperson of the Office of the United Nations Human Rights (OHCHR) @OHCHRin Geneva issued a media statement on protests in some parts of Kenya.
“In which he alleged ‘widespread violence’ and ‘unnecessary or disproportionate use of force’. He further alleged that 23 people have been killed and dozens injured in the demonstrations.
“This statement was not only inaccurate, but misleading and appeared to have been written in support of a propaganda campaigns by people opposed to the democratic will of the people”, the Minister said.
Mutua added that Kenyan Goverment will be engaging through appropriate channels to ensure that international community is not sucked into conspiracies that are aimed at destablising the nation.
He explained that these violent actions by a few paid goons have been politically instigated by known architects of violence and therefore cannot be categorized as peaceful assembly as alleged by the spokesperson.
“Far from it, what we have witnessed are violent protests with those involved carrying all manner of crude weapons. We have seen goons destroy a highway with no police around”, Kenyan Minister said.
He pressed further that these violent demonstrators have attacked innocent members of the public, looted and destroyed private property, attacked and injured police officers who were on duty to ensure law and order.
“Why is the UN Human Right Spokesperson blind to all these? Is that office fallen prey to propaganda and being used to lay ground for a smear campaign? The wanton looting of private premises, illegal obstruction of economic activities.
“And extensive damage of critical public infrastructure (Road, Bridges, Power and Internet Cables etc.) attests to violent nature of the demonstration, which borders on economic sabotage and thus warrants intervention by security agencies”.
He said Kenya’s govt endeavours to protect rights of individuals engaged in peaceful assembly and peaceful protests whilst maintaining public safety law and order in line with the constitution of Kenya, as provided for in the UN Declaration of Human Rights.
Mutua said, “Kenya is keeping a close eye on the current architects of the violence and looting experienced in the last couple of days and will take appropriate actions, consistent with our national and international obligations”.
While urging international friends to closely scrutinize the architects of insurrection and anti-democratic elements when they wish to visit their countries and not to allow some of them to go and taint their democratic principles.
The Minister said many people are visiting Kenya. “We are receiving many requests for official and state visits because they have faith in our country. As a government, we remain focused on ensuring that Kenya remains an attractive destination of trade, investment and tourism.
“Only economic growth will guarantee the well-being of the Kenya people and we condemn in the strongest term possible those bent on derailing the economic plans of the country”, he said.
Dr Mutua said further, “As a government, we continue to position our country as the preferred trade, investment and tourism destination. However, these efforts are being derailed by economic saboteurs disguised as protests against the cost of living.
“The economy and the people of Kenya are the ultimate victims of the so called ‘maandamano.’ We need to stabilize our economy, create new jobs and opportunities for our young population. This only happen under a secure and stable environment devoid of propaganda and political opportunism”, he said.
Meanwhile, it was reported that Kenyan President, William Ruto now says that he is open to a dialogue with the Opposition provided the talks do not involve a power-sharing agreement.
Speaking on Wednesday in Kericho County amid ongoing Coalition-led countrywide protests, the president reaffirmed his earlier stance that there could only be constructive talks on how to fodge the country forward and no room for the infamous ‘Handshake’ with the Opposition.
Kenyan Head of state clarified that the country’s Kwanza regime has no problem engaging with their rivals in a bid to end the ongoing tiff that has occasioned deadly and destructive demonstrations.