The US state department has spoken on Monday’s protests in Kenya and declared rights to freedom of expression and association are core tenets of democracy.
The Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State Vedant Patel said the United States regrets the loss of life in the recent protests in Kenya
“The rights to freedom of expression and association, and the right of peaceful assembly, are core tenets of democracy.”
“Countries that protect these fundamental freedoms and support an open, inclusive, and empowered civil society are more stable and prosperous. Kenya benefits from having an active and vibrant civil society,” he said.
He added they encourage opposition leaders and protestors to refrain from violence and rhetoric that could incite violence, and we urge government security forces to act with restraint.
This was in reaction to questions raised by reporters during a press briefing.
During the protests, one person was shot dead in Kisumu, and two were injured in Migori.
Several properties were destroyed in the chaos that erupted as police tried to stop a march by the opposition in parts of the country.
Police 20 cops were injured and three cars were destroyed and they arrested over 20 suspects over the same.
A mosque and church were burnt in attacks in Kibera slums and traffic was disrupted on many roads.
Businesses were closed for the better part of the day as chaos reigned.
Goons who seemed to have been organized invaded the private farm of former president Uhuru Kenyatta and stole sheep and goats and set a section of grass there on fire.
Another group raided a business entity owned by Azimio leader Raila Odinga in Industrial Area and destroyed property.
No arrest has been made so far and a police watchdog is investigating the failure of police to protect the same.
