Kenya has welcomed Russia's move to call out Western countries for interfering in its internal affairs.
It followed a statement on Tuesday by 13 Western nations urging the government and the opposition to reach a truce through dialogue over the impending demonstrations.
"If it is not interference in internal affairs, what is it?” Russia’s mission in Nairobi posed.
Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'oei lauded Russia's response saying, "Thank you Russian Embassy in Kenya for this principled position."
The Embassy acknowledged the compliment in a subsequent tweet saying it has always advocated for Africa to self moderate during conflicts.
"Thank you! That’s what we have always stood for. African solutions to African problems," the mission said.
In a joint statement on Tuesday, ambassadors of 13 Western countries including the UK, the United States, Canada and Australia issued a joint statement over the Azimio demonstrations.
The envoys said they are saddened by the deaths and concerned by the high levels of violence that characterised the recently held anti-government demos including the use of live ammunition.
"We recognise the daily hardships faced by many Kenyans and urge all parties to table their concerns through meaningful dialogue and resolve their differences peacefully to build the nation together, ensuring no further loss of life," the envoys said.
They added that they are ready to support conciliatory efforts that would be taken by the two sides in finding constructive and peaceful solutions to the conflict.
The 13 are Luke Williams (High Commissioner, Australia), Christopher Thornley (High Commissioner, Canada), Ole Thonke (Ambassador, Denmark), Pirkka Tapiola (Ambassador, Finland), Sebastian Groth, (Ambassador, Germany) and Fionnuala Quinlan (Ambassador, Ireland).
Others are Maarten Brouwer (Ambassador, Netherlands), Geir Arne Schei (Charge d'Affaires, Norway), Caroline Vicini (Ambassador Sweden), Valentin Zellweger (Ambassador, Switzerland), Andrii Pravednyk (Ambassador, Ukraine), Josephine Gauld (Charge d'Affaires, United Kingdom) and Meg Whitman (Ambassador, United States).
Tension was high on Tuesday ahead of the start of the nationwide demonstrations with a seemingly unresponsive government to calls for dialogue with an opposition that remained adamant it would not call off the three-day protests.
A violent clash between security officers and demonstrators was expected after police issued a statement saying they had not been notified about any protests.
Inspector General of Police Japet Koome later announced the closure of all-day schools in Nairobi and Mombasa ahead of the demos.
President William Ruto on his part warned on Saturday that the government would deploy all its resources in ensuring no more lives are lost or property destroyed.