Russia has dismissed a joint communique issued by Western diplomats on the ongoing demonstrations in Kenya.
In a joint statement on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, the diplomatic corps in Kenya called for dialogue to avert the planned anti-government demos slated for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
“We are saddened by the loss of life and concerned by the high levels of violence, including the use of live rounds and the destruction of property, during the recent demonstrations. We recognise the daily hardship faced by many Kenyans and urge all parties to table their concerns through meaningful dialogue and resolve their differences peacefully to build the nation together, ensuring no further loss of life,” part of the statement issued by Western diplomats, led by the US and UK, read.
The Russian Embassy in Kenya was quick to react to the joint communique issued by Western diplomats.
Russia said the statement by Western diplomats was nothing more than interference in Kenya’s internal affairs.
“If it is not interference in internal affairs, what is it?” The Russian Embassy tweeted.
If it is not interference in internal affairs, what is it? pic.twitter.com/UR4wf1LvhV
— Russian Embassy in Kenya/Посольство России в Кении (@russembkenya) July 18, 2023
LGBTQ ruling
It is not the first time that the Russian Embassy in Kenya is issuing such a bold statement.
In May 2023, Russia joined top leaders in Kenya to dismiss a judgment by the Supreme Court that allowed the LGBTQ community in the country to formally register their own association.
After the ruling, President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua publicly stated that homosexuality had no place in Kenyan society and vowed not to allow same-sex marriages.
Reacting to the remarks, the Russian Embassy in Kenya claimed the gay agenda was being pushed by the Western nations, warning that “the West will come for more”.