National Assembly Defence Committee Chairperson Nelson Koech has warned against foreign diplomats interfering in Kenya's internal governance, following concerns raised by Western embassies over how the country is handling planned protests.
Koech's remarks followed a joint statement by the United States and European embassies in Kenya on Tuesday, June 24, expressing concern about the alleged use of hired individuals to disrupt peaceful demonstrations ahead of the first anniversary of the June 25, 2024, Gen Z protests. "We are troubled by the use of hired 'goons' to infiltrate or disrupt peaceful gatherings.
Protecting the rights to protest is vital to preserving civic space and a cornerstone of Kenya's vibrant democracy," read the statement signed by 12 embassies.
Koech warned that the envoys were straying into domestic political territory. "In referring to 'hired goons' and covert operations, the joint statement treads dangerously close to adopting the language of activists and partisan actors," said Koech.
