The US has warned Kenya against police brutality ahead of June 25 protests, citing the recent death of blogger Albert Ojwang in custody.
Outgoing US Embassy chargé d’affaires Mark Dillard said Washington is closely monitoring how security agencies handle the protests, expected to mark one year since Gen Z-led demonstrations broke out over taxes, unemployment and alleged police abuse.
“We are keen on the issue of accountability making sure the police are held accountable. We expect the commemoration to be non-violent,” said Dillard.
He said the balance between protecting civil liberties and maintaining order is difficult but necessary.
“It’s a difficult balance to manage facilitating people’s rights to speak, while protecting property, lives and safety,” he noted.

Dillard made the remarks on Tuesday during a courtesy call on National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, who called for peaceful demonstrations but warned against violence.
“This talk of a memorial for the last disturbances, if it is a peaceful demonstration, it shouldn’t be an issue,” said Wetang’ula. 
“On the issues they have raised, Parliament is ready to address them. If it degenerates into violence, it is out of my hands and other agencies will handle that. But I hope it will be okay,” Wetang’ula added. 
Wetang’ula noted most police officers act professionally, but rogue officers must be held responsible.
“Police do a good job protecting lives and property. In their absence, there is chaos. But if there are rotten apples among them, we pluck them out and deal with them. A criminal remains a criminal, whether in uniform or not,” added Wetang’ula.

He also warned of criminals hijacking peaceful protests.
“The demonstrators may be very genuine, but we also have hooligans and criminals who infiltrate, start terrorising traders and looting property. At that point, it becomes criminal activity,” he noted.
Wetang’ula urged Parliament to pass laws guiding how public demonstrations are managed.
“In other jurisdictions, there are laws guiding picketing where grievances are submitted, who receives them and what the procedure is. Without such legislation, I told House leadership to engage picketers at the gate, collect any petitions and assure them of action. That way, it doesn’t become a spectacle that invites police and ends in mayhem,” he explained.