Statement on the Situation in Kenya

We are saddened by the news of killings, abductions, arbitrary detentions, and violence meted out by the police in Kenya against its citizens.

As an international organization that amplifies the voices of communities around the world seeking protection of their human rights and environment, we are alarmed at the retaliation against Kenyans, a majority of whom are young people, who have chosen to raise their voices on matters related to their economic and sociopolitical lives by calling for more accountability and fiscal responsibility from the government.

This crackdown on citizens comes less than a month after civil society organizations were forced out of the African Development Bank annual meetings in Nairobi simply for calling on the institution to be responsive to African communities. International financial institutions and governments should not fuel bloodshed and human rights violations. They should be responsive to peoples’ demands and promote dialogue and justice.

Accountability Counsel stands with communities in Kenya and supports citizens’ agency in determining their future. We offer our condolences to the families that have lost their loved ones, a price too high to pay for the courage to show up and speak up.

In solidarity,
Accountability Counsel