Details of Ruto's call with US States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken over demos

Piece by: GARVIN PATRICK

27 June 2024

• Blinken reiterated the importance of security agencies exercising restraint to avoid any form of violence.

President William Ruto and the United States Secretary of State, Antony Blinken had a phone conversation on Wednesday.

The two held talks after Ruto bowed to pressure from Kenyans to drop the Finance Bill, 2024.

The department said Blinken lauded Ruto for his measures to ensure peace prevails in the country.

"The Secretary thanked President Ruto for taking steps to reduce tensions and pledged to engage in dialogue with the protestors and civil society," a statement from the Spokesperson said.

Blinken reiterated the importance of security agencies exercising restraint to avoid any form of violence.

He also called for speedy investigations into any human rights abuses.

"The Secretary underscored the importance of security forces demonstrating restraint and refraining from violence and encouraged prompt investigations into allegations of human rights abuses."

Tension has been high throughout the week with protests claiming the lives of lots of people in several regions of the country.

All this led to questions about why most International communities were watching without saying anything or condemning the situation.

However, some International communities have voiced their concerns and tried to intervene.

Some of them including the UN and even the USA called for peace between the people and its government. All this even made the UN General Secretary Antonio Guterres post his expression on X (former Twitter).

"I am deeply saddened by the reports of deaths and injuries - including of journalists and medical personnel - connected to protests and street demonstrations in Kenya. I urge the Kenyan authorities to exercise restraint, and call for all demonstrations to take place peacefully." Antonio Guterres posted.

Such requests and the push by the X spaces have led the President to concede as he called for a withdrawal of the controversial finance bill.

Different countries that made a joint statement on the protests including the USA and UK had to say, "We are deeply concerned by the violence witnessed in many parts of the country during the recent protests, and are especially shocked by the scenes witnessed outside the Kenyan Parliament.

"The statement continued by saying, "We regret the tragic loss of life and injuries sustained including by the use of live fire.

"However, they acknowledged the recent abductions of some protests witnessed in parts of the country and welcomed the statement released by the Hon Chief Justice Martha Koome.