The US has challenged President William Ruto to foster unity and continued engagement with the Kenyan public, the youth, and civil societies following the June-August protests.
Speaking during a call with President Ruto on Thursday, November 7, after the completion of the US Elections, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken challenged the president on the security of the country, highlighting the importance of full accountability for security forces reportedly involved in violently quelling protests earlier this year and the ongoing abductions.
“The security of state underscored the importance of full accountability for security forces reportedly involved in protest violence and ongoing abductions,” Blinken’s statement read in part.
Cases of insecurity in the nation have been on a surge, despite Deputy President Kithure Kindiki saying otherwise in a press conference last evening, with cases of abductions also on the rise. At least 57 people are reported to have been kidnapped and abducted since the GenZ protests with 22 people found alive so far while two have died with the rest missing.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja Kirocho during a media briefing on July 23, 2024.
Photo
National Police Service
While giving a report to the National Assembly on the issue of abduction in the nation on Thursday, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja refuted any claims that the police were responsible for the abductions.
“The police don’t abduct or kidnap, we only arrest and lawfully detain them in the designated police stations. All of these cases we are on top of them and we will make sure that all those involved will be held accountable,” Kanja stated.
The concerns also follow an outcry from Kenyans over US Ambassador Meg Whitman’s silence over the ongoing cases of abductions in Kenya.
Activist Gitobu Imanyara had led Kenyans to call out US Ambassador Meg Whitman for delaying foreign envoy’s statement on abductions in Kenya.
The leaders also discussed Kenya’s mission to Haiti, with Blinken thanking Ruto for Kenya’s continued leadership of the Multinational Security Support mission to Haiti as it works with its Haitian counterparts to restore peace and security to the Haitian people.
On his part, Ruto underlined the importance of the peace mission in Haiti, revealing plans to ensure the mission stabilizes the country.
“We discussed the transition of the mission into a UN peacekeeping operation to enhance the capability of the mission to help stabilise Haiti,” Ruto said, on his official X page.
Blinken also challenged South Sudan leaders to take advantage of the Tumaini Peace Initiative talks in Nairobi to create sustainable peace in the country.
On Sudan, they discussed coordinating efforts to press for expanded humanitarian access, stop the fighting, and establish a process to restore civilian governance.
The US Secretary General however assured Kenya of continued support and connection between the two countries even as the US ashers in Donald Trumps Presidency.
“The Secretary reaffirmed the close and enduring connection between the peoples of our two nations and reiterated our support for Kenya’s inclusive and democratic future,” read part of the statement of the US Secretary of State.
President William Ruto meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday, September 23, 2022.
PCS
