Russia Calls Out 13 European Ambassadors After Statement On Azimio Demos

The Russian government has slammed a section of European Ambassadors and High Commissioners after they shared a message to President William Ruto and Azimio leader Raila Odinga saying they should resolve their differences and ensure there is no loss of lives.

In a statement via Twitter on Tuesday, July 18, Russia through its Embassy in Nairobi accused the ambassadors of interfering with the internal affairs of Kenya.

“If it is not interference in internal affairs, what is it?” the Russian Embassy in Kenya tweeted.

The Ambassadors and High Commissioners in a joint statement raised concern with the loss of lives during the Azimio protests as they also weighed into the use of live bullets during demos.

"We are saddened by the loss of life and concerned by high levels of violence, including the use of live rounds and the destruction of property, during the recent demonstrations.

"We recognise the daily hardships faced by many Kenyans and urge all parties to table concerns through a meaningful dialogue and resolve their differences peacefully to build the nation together, ensuring no further loss of life,” the statement read in part.

This comes even as the Azimio coalition has vowed to continue with the anti-government protests on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week.

Addressing the media at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Foundation in Nairobi, Narc Kenya Party leader Martha Karua said the opposition will go on with the demos as earlier announced despite the security withdrawal of Azimio leaders.

“The withdrawal of security and the campaign of intimidation notwithstanding, Azimio confirms that the protests planned for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday next week are on as earlier announced,” Karua said.

At the same time, she urged neighboring countries not to support the Kenya Kwanza government by supplying ammunition and teargas.