Details of President Ruto's Phone Call With US Official Over Protests

President William Ruto on Thursday, July 25, held a phone conversation with the U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

According to a statement from the U.S. State Department spokesperson, the discussion focused on the recent protests, with Blinken stressing the importance of freedom of assembly and expression as enshrined in Kenya's constitution.

He further emphasized the crucial role of youth and civil society organizations in healthy democracies and urged respect for their contributions to Kenya’s development.

"Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Kenyan President William Ruto today. The Secretary underscored the importance of freedoms of assembly and expression as enshrined in Kenya’s constitution, emphasized the vital role played by youth and civil society organizations in healthy democracies, and urged respect for their contributions to Kenya’s development," read part of the statement.

At the same time, the U.S. Secretary of State thanked President Ruto for his pledge of accountability for security forces allegedly involved in protest violence or responsible for disappearances.

He similarly commended him for his commitment to direct the police to refrain from using violence of any kind against protesters.

Additionally, Blinked thanked President Ruto for Kenya's contribution to the peacekeeping mission in Haiti.

"The Secretary thanked President Ruto for Kenya’s contributions to the multinational security support mission to Haiti. The Secretary reiterated that the United States stands with the Kenyan people as they build a more inclusive and prosperous Kenya," the statement by Miller further read.

Blinken's call comes a month after he also held another phone conversation with President Ruto following the withdrawal of the Finance Bill 2024.

In the call, Blinken emphasized the importance of reducing tensions and ensuring security services demonstrate restraint and refrain from violence.