Belgut MP Nelson Koech has responded to a joint statement issued by a group of foreign envoys warning against the use of plainclothes officers and goons during protests set for Wednesday, June 25.
In a statement on Tuesday, June 24, Koech who also serves as the Chairperson of the National Assembly’s Defence, Intelligence and Foreign Relations Committee, acknowledged the concerns expressed.
"I have taken note of the joint statement issued on June 25, 2025, by several Ambassadors and High Commissioners accredited to the Republic of Kenya. As Chairperson of the National Assembly’s Committee on Defence, Intelligence & Foreign Relations, I wish to underscore that Kenya remains firmly committed to upholding democratic principles, including the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, as enshrined in our Constitution," he said.
However, Koech raised concern over what he termed as increasing interference in domestic affairs by external actors.
"We are, however, concerned by the growing trend of external actors commenting on Kenya’s internal governance with tones that, while perhaps well-intentioned, risk eroding the principle of sovereign equality that underpins diplomatic relations," he said.
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Koech noted that law enforcement operations in Kenya operate under a legal and institutional framework, and that the state holds a constitutional responsibility to maintain order.
"Security operations conducted by the State must always be governed by the rule of law. In the same breath, the State is duty-bound to maintain public order and protect lives, property, and national stability — especially in moments where genuine civic action risks being hijacked by criminal or violent elements.
"These responsibilities are neither arbitrary nor unchecked; they are subject to oversight by our independent Judiciary, Parliament, and civilian commissions," he continued.
Koech also took issue with the language used in the envoys’ statement, warning it mirrors that of partisan actors and activists.
"In referring to “hired goons” and covert operations, the joint statement treads dangerously close to adopting the language of activists and partisan actors. Kenya welcomes dialogue, not echo chambers. The Republic of Kenya continues to embrace its vibrant democracy — not at the urging of others, but by the will of its people.
"We invite all diplomatic partners to walk with us in mutual respect, upholding the core values of the Vienna Convention: non-interference, constructive engagement, and sovereign dignity. Kenya is not a subject of external surveillance. Kenya is a nation rising — secure in its democracy and firm in its partnerships," he concluded.
Earlier Tuesday, several foreign diplomatic missions in Kenya jointly issued a statement ahead of anticipated protests.
In a statement, the envoys acknowledged that the protest is meant to honour those who died during last year's anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
“June 25th marks one year since Kenyans voiced their concerns through widespread protests at the 2024 Finance Bill. We remember those who lost their lives and reaffirm every Kenyan's right to peaceful assembly and to express themselves," the statement read.
The diplomatic missions also condemned tactics that threaten the integrity of peaceful protests, including the hiring of goons.
“We are troubled by the use of hired 'goons' to infiltrate or disrupt peaceful gatherings. Protecting the right to protest is vital to preserving civic space and a cornerstone of Kenya's vibrant democracy," the statement further read.
