US Embassy Raises Concern Over Anti-Gov't Protests, Sends Plea

The U.S. Embassy in Kenya has raised concern over anti-government protests experienced in the country over the past few weeks.

In a statement on Thursday, July 18, the embassy noted that it was deeply concerned over the reports of violence during the demonstrations, including shootings and abductions of protestors.

It called on the protestors to remain peaceful and asked the police to respect the rule of law and exercise restraint while protecting the rights of the protestors.

“As we enter the fifth week of protests throughout Kenya and surpass 50 protest-related deaths, the Embassy of the United States of America notes with profound regret the loss of life and destruction of people’s livelihoods and calls on all actors to remain peaceful and respect the rule of law.

"We are deeply concerned by reports of violence, including shootings and abductions of protestors, journalists, and others. Constructive engagement of citizens and civil society, aided by a free and independent media, is a pillar of democracy," read part of the statement.

The US Embassy further called on provocateurs and opportunists to avoid blocking roads and looting businesses, even as it maintained that all actors should be held accountable for any wrongdoing.

"We call on provocateurs and opportunists to avoid blocking roads and looting businesses. All actors - police and protesters alike - should repudiate violence and be held accountable for wrongdoing," the statement further read.

The embassy urged the Kenyan government to continue fighting corruption in order to promote national unity and reconciliation.

"As a long-time friend and partner to Kenya, the Embassy notes the government's July 18 remarks about addressing public grievances and encourages the government to continue taking steps forward, including on corruption and accountability, to promote national unity and reconciliation," the embassy stated.