International Community expresses concern as Kenya braces for anti-government protests

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International Community expresses concern as Kenya braces for anti-government protests

NAIROBI (HORN OBSERVER) – Ahead of the planned anti-government protests in Kenya on Wednesday, a joint statement issued by Ambassadors and High Commissioners of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden, Ukraine

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This follows the recent violent protests called by Odinga, which resulted in the deaths of at least 20 civilians and the arrest of over 300 people, including an opposition lawmaker. | PHOTO/ AP.

NAIROBI (HORN OBSERVER) – Ahead of the planned anti-government protests in Kenya on Wednesday, a joint statement issued by Ambassadors and High Commissioners of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Sweden, Ukraine, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States expressed sadness over the loss of life and expressed concern about the high levels of violence, including the use of live ammunition and the destruction of property, during recent demonstrations in the country.

The foreign diplomats acknowledged the daily hardships faced by many Kenyans and urged all parties involved to address their concerns through meaningful dialogue and resolve their differences peacefully, with the ultimate goal of nation-building and preventing further loss of life.

The statement emphasized the readiness of the international community to support the parties in finding constructive and peaceful solutions to the challenges facing Kenya.

"We stand ready to support the parties in their efforts to find constructive and peaceful solutions,” they concluded.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Raila Odinga, in a statement released by his One Kenya Party known as Azimio La Umoja, announced a three-day series of anti-government demonstrations starting on Wednesday, July 19, despite the government’s warning that the protests will not be allowed to take place.

Odinga believes that these protests will serve as a significant turning point for the nation.

These latest demonstrations in Kenya are the latest in a series of protests against tax increases and the high cost of living in the country's economic center. These demonstrations also reflect ongoing grievances related to alleged malpractice in the previous year's presidential election, which opposition leader Raila Odinga lost.

However, the Kenyan government has declared the planned demonstrations by the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Opposition Coalition as illegal, setting the stage for another potential clash between the police and protesters on Wednesday. The previous week’s violent protests called by Odinga resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 20 civilians and the arrest of over 300 people, including an opposition lawmaker.

The police have faced criticism for their heavy-handed response, including the use of tear gas against civilians, with reports even emerging of tear gas being deployed within a school setting.

The growing tension between the government and the opposition raises concerns about the potential escalation of violence and its impact on Kenya’s stability.

The international community’s call for peaceful dialogue and constructive resolutions echoes the urgent need for all parties involved to engage in productive discussions and find common ground for the betterment of the nation.

As Kenya braces for the upcoming protests, all eyes are on the government’s response and the actions of both protesters and law enforcement agencies, with hopes that a peaceful resolution can be achieved without further loss of life or destruction of property.