King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands has urged President William Ruto’s administration to uphold the fundamental rights of all Kenyans in line with the Constitution. The Dutch monarch, who is in Kenya for a three-day State visit, emphasized the importance of human rights, good governance, and accountability as key areas of focus during his tour.
Speaking at the Netherlands Embassy in Nairobi, King Willem-Alexander stated that Kenyans, like their Dutch counterparts, expect their rights to be respected and their voices heard. He underscored that his visit provided an opportunity to address concerns regarding governance and human rights violations in the country.
“The people of Kenya, like those in the Netherlands, want their rights as free citizens to be respected and their voices heard. I am pleased that our countries’ strong relationship allows us to discuss important issues such as human rights, good governance, and accountability,” he said.
As part of his engagements, King Willem-Alexander met with young Kenyans at the Netherlands Embassy to gain insight into their concerns regarding recent developments in the country. He noted the importance of listening to the youth, who have been at the forefront of advocating for change.
Following high-level discussions at State House, the Dutch King and President Ruto signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and a letter of intent. These agreements aim to bolster cooperation between Kenya and the Netherlands in key sectors, including trade, agriculture, and tourism. Additionally, discussions extended to areas of mutual interest such as security and climate action.
“Kenya is a self-assured nation that is proud of its economic performance, democracy, institutions, and international role. This visit highlights how closely aligned our interests are and how strong the ties between our two countries remain,” King Willem-Alexander remarked.
His visit comes amid growing concerns over alleged human rights violations by Kenyan security forces. Reports indicate that since June last year, when anti-government protests erupted, police officers have been accused of excessive force and abductions. According to the Kenya Human Rights Commission, 29 out of 82 reported disappearances remain unresolved, raising alarm over safety and accountability in the country.
King Willem-Alexander’s remarks serve as a reminder of the need for Kenya to strengthen its democratic values and ensure that all citizens enjoy their constitutional rights without fear or suppression.
