The United States Of America (USA) Government has condemned the move by the Kenyan Government to ban Azimio la Umoja anti-government protests. 

According to US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel every country should allow its citizens the freedom of expression and association and right to peaceful assembly. 

“The rights to freedom of expression and association, and the right of peaceful assembly, are core tenets of democracy.”

“Countries that protect these fundamental freedoms and support an open, inclusive and empowered civil society are more stable and prosperous. Kenya benefits from having an active and vibrant civil society,” he said. 

Patel also urged opposition leaders and protesters to avoid violence and inciting words during the protests. 

He was responding to a reporter’s query about the US government’s stance on Kenyan police’s decision to ban opposition protests.

File image of US State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson Vedant Patel 

During the Monday March 27 demos one person was shot dead in Kisumu while two others were injured in Migori. 

In Kibera a church and a mosque were burnt down at night after the anti-government demonstrations.

At the same time goons invaded the Kenya Family private land in Kiambu and stole sheep and goats and set a section of grass there on fire. Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga’s East Africa Spectre gas plant was also attacked and property destroyed. 

Police claim that up to 20 officers were injured and three cars destroyed during the protests. 

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki has condemned the chaos noting that it’s time for them to come to an end. 

“We must protect our Country from sliding into irretrievable anarchy,” he said in a Twitter post. Source: KDRTV

President William Ruto will leave the country today for a four-day visit to two European nations, Germany and Belgium.

According to a statement by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed on Sunday morning, the president will hold bilateral talks with German leaders, and also give a keynote speech.

“President William Ruto will depart the country today, Sunday 26th March 2023 for a four-day visit to the Federal Republic of Germany and the Kingdom of Belgium, respectively,” Hussein’s statement reads in part. 

Minutes later, Hussein tweeted that the president’s trip will focus on ‘renewable energy, green industrialization, and trade.

Hussin says the President will hold talks aimed at strengthening bilateral relations with President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. 

“The president will also give a keynote address at the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue, outlining the challenges of energy security amidst the worsening climate crisis and the push for investments in renewable energy,” he adds.

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Kenya will also explore partnerships with Germany on the youth agenda, specifically in vocational education and training.

In Brussels, the capital of Belgium, Ruto is expected to have a meeting with Alexander De Croo, Prime Minister of Belgium. 

The meeting’s main objective is to discuss mutual areas of interest including, health, addressing Kenya’s food security and drought response, climate action, trade, and investment.

The President will also engage with the leadership of the European Union, including, H.E. Charles Michel, President of the European Union Council, and H.E. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission. By Winfrey Owino, The Standard