Belgut MP Nelson Koech./COURTERSY
Kenya will not accept lectures from outsiders about its internal affairs, MP Nelson Koech has said.
Koech, the chairperson of the National Assembly’s Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations, was responding to a joint statement issued by several ambassadors and high commissioners on June 25, 2025.
A group of foreign envoys in Kenya called for peaceful protests and accountability ahead of Wednesday, June 25, demos.
In a joint statement, the envoys encouraged respect for peaceful protests as the country marks one year since demonstrations against the 2024 Finance Bill.
They included the ambassadors and high commissioners from Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Ireland, Australia, Switzerland, Norway, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States, Sweden, and Finland.
The diplomats expressed support for Kenyans’ right to voice concerns without fear of violence or intimidation.
They also called on all parties to support non-violent demonstrations, even as they reaffirmed the right of every Kenyan to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
The envoys raised concerns about the use of plainclothes officers in unmarked vehicles, noting that the High Court had already ruled such tactics unlawful.
They urged full compliance with that ruling to maintain public trust.
“The use of plainclothes officers in unmarked vehicles erodes public trust and was ruled unlawful by the high court.”
The diplomats also voiced concern over the use of hired goons to infiltrate or disrupt peaceful gatherings.
They emphasized that protecting the right to protest is essential to preserving civic space and is a key part of Kenya’s democracy.
However, MP Koech said as chairperson of the National Assembly’s Committee on Defence, Intelligence & Foreign Relations Kenya remains firmly committed to upholding democratic principles, including the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, as enshrined in our Constitution.
He expressed concern that external actors’ commentary risked “eroding the principle of sovereign equality that underpins diplomatic relations.”
Koech said Kenya’s security forces operate within the rule of law.
“Security operations conducted by the State must always be governed by the rule of law,” he stated.
“In the same breath, the State is duty-bound to maintain public order and protect lives, property, and national stability—especially in moments where genuine civic action risks being hijacked by criminal or violent elements.”
He criticised the wording of the joint statement, warning that “in referring to ‘hired goons’ and covert operations, the joint statement treads dangerously close to adopting the language of activists and partisan actors. Kenya welcomes dialogue, not echo chambers.”
The MP emphasized Kenya’s democratic path.
“The Republic of Kenya continues to embrace its vibrant democracy—not at the urging of others, but by the will of its people. We invite all diplomatic partners to walk with us in mutual respect, upholding the core values of the Vienna Convention: non-interference, constructive engagement, and sovereign dignity.”
He concluded: “Kenya is not a subject of external surveillance. Kenya is a nation rising—secure in its democracy and firm in its partnership.
