Details Of US Secretary of State Blinken Phone Call To Ruto

President William Ruto received a call from the White House on Thursday, July 25, amid chaotic protests in Kenya that have lasted for more than weeks.

An ally of Washington, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, spoke with Ruto over the phone, where he underscored the fundamental freedoms of assembly and expression as enshrined in Kenya’s constitution.

In a statement issued by his Spokesperson Matthew Miller, Secretary Blinken emphasized the indispensable role of youth and civil society organizations in fostering healthy democracies and urged respect for their vital contributions to Kenya’s development.

Commending President Ruto, Blinken acknowledged the President’s commitment to accountability for security forces implicated in protest violence or responsible for disappearances. President Ruto’s directive to the police to abstain from any form of violence against protesters was particularly praised.

The Secretary of State also expressed gratitude for Kenya’s substantial contributions to the multinational security support mission in Haiti, recognizing the country’s commitment to global peace and security.

Secretary Blinken also reiterated the United States’ steadfast support for the Kenyan people in their efforts to build a more inclusive and prosperous nation.

The call comes after the Kenyan government wrote to the Ford Foundation demanding answers over funding extended to some organisations in Kenya which the State suspects could have had a hand in the latest protests.

The government of Kenya listed 16 Non-governmental organisations in connection to the protests.

The Ford Foundation, however, defended its funding criteria to the organisations even as it maintained its stand against anarchy.

The Foundation reiterated that while it supports the right of Kenyans to peacefully advocate for a just and equitable country,  they don’t support any acts that advocate violence.

Kenya’s anti-government protests are in their fifth week. Under pressure, Ruto declined to sign the bill imposing new taxes and dismissed almost all Cabinet ministers, but protesters continue to call for his resignation.

At least 50 people have died and 413 others have been injured in the protests since June 18, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. The political opposition is demanding that families of those killed be compensated and that charges against those arrested during protests be dropped.

Police have stopped saying how many arrests they make in the protests. Rights groups, opposition figures and family members for weeks have expressed concern about alleged abductions by officers.

Police last week banned protests in Nairobi, citing the movement’s lack of clear leadership to coordinate with authorities to ensure safety and security. But the high court issued an order suspending the ban on protests. Kenya’s constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest.