The US Department of State Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights Uzra Zeya has concluded her visit to Kenya with a condemnation on police in their actions during protests.
She said free and independent media is indispensable to thriving democracies.
Zeya demanded restraint from police when dealing with peaceful protesters.
She said she had engaged top government officials over the security agencies conduct to register her concerns.
“In my discussions with President William Ruto and senior Kenyan officials, I condemned violence committed against peaceful protesters, human rights defenders and journalists, and urged protection of the fundamental freedoms of peaceful assembly and expression, as enshrined in Kenya's constitution,” Zeya said.
“I also underscored the critical importance of security forces exercising restraint, rejecting violence in all its forms, and prompt investigations of and accountability for disappearances, excessive use of force and other human rights abuses.”
Zeya said it was her first visit to Kenya. She spoke at the US Embassy in Nairobi.
Zeya met Ruto, Chief Justice Martha Koome and senior officials from the Interior ministry, law enforcement and anti-corruption sectors.
More than 60 people have been killed in the recent anti-government protests and more than 400 injured.
Human rights organisations say more than 60 others are missing.
More protests have been called for Thursday.
Zeya said she also heard from and engaged Kenya's vibrant civil society, including young change-makers and democratic reformers, working to advance a better future for all Kenyans.
“As President Biden declared in welcoming President Ruto to Washington for his historic state visit, our two nations have shared responsibility to meet together, as partners for security, for prosperity, for innovation and most importantly, for democracy," she said.
“That common cause and impetus is what brought me to Kenya, with three overarching goals: first, to strengthen our partnership in support of democratic reform and rights-respecting civilian security; second, to deepen our collaboration on shared regional and global challenges; and third, to expand our humanitarian cooperation to support marginalised and vulnerable populations.”
She said she welcomed government steps to address the root causes of protesters' concerns, strengthen public trust and take further action to embrace dialogue and national reconciliation.
“Democracy requires constant work and, as we acknowledge the progress that Kenya has made, we must also recognise the work that remains to be done in terms of police accountability and human-centered security,” Zeya said.
“I encouraged President Ruto to take concrete action on his recent public pledges to strengthen rule of law, champion anti-corruption initiatives, and advance accountability within his own government.”
She said the US appreciates Kenya's active leadership in addressing conflict in African and around the world.
She also welcomed Kenya's leadership of the Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti.
“This vital effort, for which we are contributing $300 million in U.S. logistics, equipment, and materiel support, will help bring much-needed relief to the Haitian people.”
