American lawyer and US Senator Chris Coons has expressed deep concerns over the violence that broke out in various parts of the country Tuesday.
Coons, in a statement, condemned actions by the demonstrators noting while they have every right to stage protests violence was unwarranted.
“Of course, the Kenyan people have the right to peacefully protest government policies that directly impact their well being, but violence has no place in the democratic process,” he said.
Coons also asked police to exercise restraint when managing such protests and to uphold basic human rights.
The Delaware Senator at the same time called on the government and the warring faction to respect the rule of law.
“Kenya has worked so hard to build its democracy. I encourage all sides to restore peace and respect the rule of law,” he said.
Coons is President Joe Biden’s most influential global emissary and is sometimes seen as America’s Shadow Secretary of State.
“While foreign officials note that speaking with Coons isn’t the same as speaking with Biden, the general conclusion is that it’s better to be on Coons’ side than not,” Politico, a US-based newspaper, described him in an article.
“No one wants him [Coons] to relay negative or indifferent views to the president. They would rather he be an envoy for their views than an opponent.”
He was in the country at the height of the 2022 post-election protests organised by opposition leader Raila Odinga.
He met Ruto and Raila separately as he tried to unite the two.
Coons is credited for the 2018 handshake between Raila and former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
