The United States of America has shifted their pressure to President William Ruto to hold police officers involved in Gen Z abductions and murders.
According to reports, a senior US Foreign Relations Committee official and Senator Chris Murphy conveyed the United States message directly to President Ruto on demand for accountability.
The message by United States was conveyed to Ruto during Murphy’s recent visit to Kenya where the Senator told Semafor Africa that the violent approach by police officers during Gen Z protests should be held accountable.
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“The violent and poorly executed crackdowns like those we witnessed during the protests often lead to more instability rather than stability. I think it’s really important for US leaders to convey those concerns.”
Murphy insisted that the US-Kenya relationship will be affected heavily if there is no a genuine commitment from Ruto’s administration to hold those responsible for the abuses during the Gen Z protests accountable.
“I want to make it clear that our relationship can’t be at its strongest level unless there is a real commitment from the Kenyan government to hold anyone that engages in abuse, particularly in the context of these protests, accountable.”
Despite ongoing investigations by Kenya’s Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), no officers have been prosecuted or dismissed in connection with the protests, a fact that has not gone unnoticed by the US.
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However, the United States is yet to indicate whether the lack of justice for those affected by the protests will impact the implementation of the funding and support pledged during Ruto’s state visit to the US early this year.