The United States has urged all political parties in Kenya to avoid violence and for security forces to exercise restraint during protests.
State Department deputy spokesman Vedant Patel expressed regret for the deaths and property damage caused by the recent protests, noting that the right to peaceful assembly is a fundamental tenet of democracy.
“We encourage political leaders, protesters, and all parties to refrain from violence and inciting violence,” he said at a press conference on Tuesday.
“We urge government security forces to exercise restraint while ensuring public safety and property,” he said.
Following last year’s election, Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga called for protests every Monday and Thursday to protest the high cost of living and what he calls electoral justice.
The protests have turned violent, resulting in the deaths of at least three people and property damage.
