(Commonwealth)_ Eminent Shirley Botchwey, Commonwealth Secretary-General, issued a public official statement to express utmost concern regarding the phenomenon of demonstrations presently raging in Kenya. The first anniversary commemoration demonstrations of June 25, 2024, sad demonstrations once again mobilized thousands onto the streets and reopened debate on civil rights, democratic accountability, and the people’s trust in the government.
The Secretary-General acknowledged the deep pain and suffering of many Kenyans as they commemorate victims lost during last year’s protests, particularly the country’s youth. “I am with the families of victims who were killed and all Kenyans,” she stated, pointing to the political and emotional importance of the anniversary.
The Commonwealth is rich in tradition to maintain its fundamental values of peace, democracy, and respect for the rule of law. During her speech, Botchwey restated that the values remain central in the conduct of citizens and governments whenever there is social or political tension. She appealed to all the stakeholders across the board—security personnel, demonstrators, government, and political leadership—to be dignified in their conduct, refrain, and have mutual respect as their slogan.
At its center was a steadfast insistence on constitutionality. “All stakeholders have to exercise their rights within constitutional limits,” she maintained, emphasizing the sensitive balancing act between national unity and democratic free speech. The Secretary-General invoked the use of freedom of assembly and freedom of speech—backbones of all democratic nations and staunchly enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter.
As the protests took on their modern form, so did the demand for transparency, simplicity, and honest reporting. Botchwey, in presenting her address, outlined the role of media in such a situation as “vital” to maintaining a democratic society and public duty and warned of cover-up or manipulation of facts and reaffirmed that an independent and responsible press were essential to keeping the people well-informed and the government accountable. With a call for peace and respectable conduct in line with law, the Secretary-General called for inclusive dialogue as the path ahead. She called on all the stakeholders in Kenya to begin dialogue for national unity and democratic stamina. “Kenya is a highly valued member of the Commonwealth family,” she wistfully remembered, speaking of the nation’s noble record of contribution to the association and leadership of several regional agendas.
It is realized when Kenya is confronted with difficult matters—economic hardship, unemployment among youths, political turmoil, and rising calls for change. It is the moment when the words of Botchwey are not only a call to peace but a call to change in the coming days. She promised that the Commonwealth would assist Kenya in achieving justice, good leadership, and peaceful coexistence.
“History and in meeting the challenges of today, the Commonwealth stands with its people in Kenya,” she continued. “We stand ready to provide assistance for initiatives to create a just, peaceful, and democratic future for all.” The statement has already drawn responses from local analysts and from civil society, who interpret it as further proof of encouraging democratic principles as well as trying to make progress toward stability in one of the most powerful countries in the region. As things proceed to shape themselves out, the Commonwealth will be active, observing closely and giving its contribution and advice as Kenya moves forward.
