U.S. ‘Distressed’ at Kenya Detentions
The United States said Friday it is distressed by the recent detention of pro-democracy activists and urged the Kenyan government not to persecute opposition figures.
Charles Rubia and Kenneth Matiba, both former Cabinet ministers, were among at least 11 people detained Wednesday and Thursday. They have led a loose alliance of lawyers and church leaders seeking a multi-party system in this one-party state.
The State Department, in a statement released by the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, said: “In recent weeks, we have made clear our hope that Matiba and Rubia and others who may speak out against the government would not be persecuted.”
“We believe very strongly in the principle of public expression of dissent and the right of peaceful assembly,” the statement said. “We are obviously distressed to see this action by the Kenyan government.”
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