Dozens of people gathered outside the US embassy
in Nairobi Tuesday to protest over the death of an African-American man
in Minneapolis police custody.
The killing of George Floyd has sprung a global movement against police brutality, inequality and racism.
The
demonstrators, who included Kenyans and Americans, marched in
solidarity with US protesters chanting "Black lives matter". They
called for accountability from the US embassy in law enforcement both in
the country and abroad.
In a statement
addressed to the US Ambassador to Kenya Kyle McCarter, the protesters
raised concern over inappropriate police actions and called on leaders
to act and change policing in both the US and Kenya.
“George
Floyd was murdered by a police officer empowered by the government you
serve, who acted with the knowledge that the system will protect his
actions and condemn Floyd.
“This perpetuates
the narrative that a black body is a threat and its destruction is not
only understood, but expected,” the statement read.
In response to the morning protests, Mr McCarter said the US government is working to ensure George Floyd gets justice.
“The
actions of the officers involved in the killing of George Floyd were
poor and must result to justice and accountability to those involved.
“The
voices of the American people, mine included, reflect their horror and
anger at the repugnant acts of these officers. The police involved have
been arrested, investigations are ongoing and I am confident that
justice will prevail,” he said.
The
protesters also criticised the Kenyan police force over extrajudicial
killings and use of unnecessary force when enforcing Covid-19 rules.
The
protesters further accused the US embassy of being silent in the
ongoing demonstrations in the US , stating that it be interpreted as a
tacit endorsement of a norm.
“You are
complicit... A police force devoid of the requirement for police
reforms, or adherence to the strict implementation of the rule of law.
"A
police force funded and supported by the United States. Your silence
endorses these tactics,” the protesters said in the statement.
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