The government has refuted claims that it has engaged public relations firms to enhance Kenya’s international image and attract foreign investment.
In a statement on Monday, January 13, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura dismissed a recent article alleging that the state had hired APO Group and Zawya for PR purposes.
He clarified that there are no commercial agreements with these organizations.
“A recent article suggests that the government has hired APO Group and Zawya for PR. To clarify, there are no commercial ties with these organizations,” he stated.
Mwaura explained that APO Group has been voluntarily sharing news from the Presidency since March 2020 before William Ruto became president.
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“APO has been sharing Presidency news pro bono since March 2020, prior to President Ruto’s tenure, as part of their broader mission to amplify African voices,” he added.
Kenya's international image has recently come under scrutiny due to a series of abductions involving government critics and foreign nationals.
Notably, the alleged abduction of Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye in Nairobi and his subsequent appearance in a Ugandan military court have raised serious concerns.
Besigye, a critic of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, was reportedly kidnapped in Kenya and forcibly returned to Uganda, where he faces charges in a military court.
Additionally, the recent abduction of Tanzanian activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai in Nairobi has further intensified concerns.
Tsehai, a vocal critic of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, was reportedly forced into a vehicle by armed men but was released hours later.
These incidents have elicited reactions from international diplomats.
In October, nine European envoys expressed concerns over enforced disappearances in Kenya, following the abduction and repatriation of four Turkish nationals who had registered as asylum seekers.
The envoys emphasized the need for Kenya to uphold its human rights obligations, especially in light of its recent election to the U.N. Human Rights Council.
"Upholding human rights leads to stability and prosperity. Therefore, we note our concern over ongoing reports of arbitrary arrests and enforced disappearances despite High Court rulings. It is crucial to ensure the rule of law prevails and the rulings of the judiciary are followed.
"Swift and transparent investigations will enable Kenya to demonstrate to the World its commitment to upholding rights as it takes up its seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council,” they said.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights has reported an increase in abductions of government critics, with 82 cases documented since June 2024.
