The US has warned Kenya against police brutality ahead of June 25 protests, citing the recent death of blogger Albert Ojwang in custody.
Outgoing US Embassy chargé d’affaires Mark Dillard said Washington is closely monitoring how security agencies handle the protests, expected to mark one year since Gen Z-led demonstrations broke out over taxes, unemployment and alleged police abuse.
“We are keen on the issue of accountability making sure the police are held accountable. We expect the commemoration to be non-violent,” said Dillard.
He said the balance between protecting civil liberties and maintaining order is difficult but necessary.
“It’s a difficult balance to manage facilitating people’s rights to speak, while protecting property, lives and safety,” he noted.