The White House on Wednesday condemned the violent clashes in Kenya between protesters and police that led to the deaths of at least 22 people and wounded over 200 more.
Speaking to reporters, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said, “the United States is deeply concerned about and we condemn the reported violence in all its forms. We offer our deepest condolences, of course, to the families who have been impacted by this violence.”
“And we continue to urge restraint so that no further Kenyans are put in harm’s way while exercising their right to peaceful public assembly,” Kirby added.
The comments come a day after protesters stormed parliament and several people were shot dead. It was the biggest assault on Kenya’s government in decades.
Kenyan President William Ruto wanted to raise funds to pay off debt, but Kenyans said the bill caused more economic pain as millions struggle to get by. The chaos on Tuesday led the government to deploy the military, and Ruto called protesters’ actions “treasonous.”
Ruto on Wednesday said he won’t sign the bill into law.
In May, Ruto went to Washington in the first state visit by an African leader in 16 years. On Tuesday, as the protests exploded, the U.S designated Kenya as its first major non-NATO ally in sub-Saharan Africa, a largely symbolic act but one highlighting their security partnership.
Also Tuesday, hundreds of Kenyan police deployed to lead a multinational force against gangs in Haiti, an initiative that brought thanks from U.S. President Joe Biden.
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