Kenya is currently hosting the Dutch king and queen despite rising allegations of human rights violations within the country. Protestors have sent hundreds of emails urging for the cancellation of the royal visit, citing government crackdowns on dissent following June’s protests against increased taxes, where demonstrators stormed parliament and set parts of it ablaze.
The Kenyan government has faced serious accusations of arresting critics and detaining young men over social media posts seen as offensive to the president, fuelling the unrest. In December, numerous peaceful protesters were arrested during demonstrations against these kidnappings, raising alarm among human rights advocates.
Over 20,000 Kenyans have signed a Change.org petition imploring Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima to reconsider their visit. The Dutch government acknowledged receiving over 300 cancellation requests yet confirmed the royal visit would occur as planned. Upon arrival, the royals were greeted with a 21-gun salute, amid a backdrop of discontent among the Kenyan populace.
During their initial day in Kenya, enthusiasm was notably absent, a sentiment echoed by Professor Macharia Munene, who highlighted the declining trust in the government due to failing public institutions like health and education. He remarked on the evaporating diplomatic influence Kenya once held.
Amnesty International has called for both Kenya and the Netherlands to prioritise human rights in the context of the visit, seeking to address past violations and ensure accountability for victims. Kenya recently secured a seat on the U.N. Human Rights Council, a move prompting further demands from rights organizations for the government to uphold civil liberties.
Kenya is hosting Dutch royals amid rising allegations of human rights abuses, prompting widespread petitions for cancellation. The government has been accused of detaining critics and violent crackdowns following protests against increased taxes. Despite over 20,000 signatures opposing the visit, it proceeds, with concerns voiced by Amnesty International for prioritising human rights.
The royal visit of the Dutch royals to Kenya unfolds amidst a climate of discontent over escalating human rights violations. Despite substantial petitions urging their cancellation, the visit goes ahead, symbolising a stark divide between royal diplomacy and the reality faced by ordinary Kenyans. As concerns from human rights groups mount, the call for accountability and prioritisation of civil liberties becomes ever more urgent.
Original Source: www.newsday.com
