Africans Rising, in collaboration with 400 civil society organizations (CSOs) across Africa and the diaspora, has issued a powerful letter to President William Ruto of Kenya, condemning his administration’s handling of recent protests. This collective action underscores the solidarity among African communities against misgovernance, corruption, and economic hardship in Kenya.
The letter, representing a wide spectrum of African voices, demands an immediate halt to the killing and abduction of protestors, calling on the Kenyan government to uphold the human and constitutional rights of its citizens. Specific demands include the release of detained protestors, a full investigation into abductions, and the punishment of those responsible.
The statement highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of protest participants despite a reduction in protest activity. It notes a troubling pattern of intimidation, abduction, and rights abuses by Kenyan security forces against protest organizers.
“We believe that in the spirit of Ubuntu, whatever affects one African affects all Africans,” the letter asserts, emphasizing a collective responsibility to monitor and address any further abuses.
The coalition has pledged to continue overseeing the situation and responding to any further violations of human rights related to the protests.
