The US has urged all political sides in Kenya to refrain from violence and for security forces to act with restraint during protests.
State Department deputy spokesman Vedant Patel said the US regretted the loss of life and damage to property in the recent protests, noting that the right to peaceful assembly was a core aspect of democracy.
“We encourage political leaders, protesters and all parties to refrain from violence and rhetoric that could incite violence,” he said at a media briefing on Tuesday.
“We call on government security forces to act with restraint while protecting public safety and property,” he added.
Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga has called for demonstrations every Monday and Thursday to protest against the high cost of living and what he calls electoral justice after last year’s election.
The protests have turned violent leading to the deaths of at least three people and to the damage of property.
Police have fired tear gas and a water cannon to break up protests with at least two people dead since the demonstrations kicked off last week.
The United States has long considered Kenya a key partner in Africa and in recent years has praised the commitment to democracy.
Kenya is invited this week to a summit of democracies led by US President Joe Biden which aims to counter growing authoritarianism.
