A US-based academic has strongly urged the British government to reconsider hosting Kenyan President William Ruto, calling the move a betrayal of democratic ideals and a disregard for ongoing human rights concerns in Kenya.
In a letter dated June 29th addressed to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Prof. Peter Ndiangui a lecturer at Florida Gulf Coast University and a renowned human rights activist voiced deep concerns over what he termed the UK’s “ill-considered” decision to host the Kenyan head of state. The letter was also copied to UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Members of the UK Parliament.
Prof. Ndiangui described the invitation as “a betrayal of human rights & an insult to Kenyans,” warning that Britain’s engagement with Ruto at this particular moment sends the wrong message to a country in turmoil.
“The UK’s decision to host President William Samoei Ruto at this profound dark moment in his nation’s history is ill-considered, an appalling affront to the people of Kenya & a glaring contradiction of Britain’s professed democratic values,” he said.
President Ruto departed Kenya on Sunday for an official visit to Spain and the United Kingdom. However, the timing of the visit has drawn criticism from Prof. Ndiangui.
Prof. Ndiangui stated that the visit comes too soon after what he termed the “extrajudicial slaughter of unarmed civilians on the streets of Nairobi & other towns”, asserting that hosting Ruto amounts to “nothing short of State-sponsored endorsement of tyranny.”
In his letter, he called upon the British government to;
Rescind any diplomatic invitation or official engagement with President Ruto.
Publicly condemn the recent killings and human rights violations allegedly carried out by Kenyan security forces.
He further warned that failing to do so risks legitimizing violent repression, stating that such diplomacy “effectively aligns Britain with a regime that has brutally turned its guns against its own youth.”
Prof. Ndiangui also criticized Kenya’s Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, for what he termed a dangerous and inflammatory directive. Referring to Murkomen’s alleged instructions to shoot civilians near police stations, Ndiangui called for an international response:
He described the directive as VILE, UNCONSTITUTIONAL, & a spark for INTERNATIONAL OUTRAGE.
The letter adds to growing international scrutiny of Kenya’s internal affairs, especially in light of recent protests against government policies, which have been met with what critics describe as disproportionate and deadly force.
As President Ruto begins his European visit, Prof. Ndiangui’s plea places fresh diplomatic pressure on the UK government to re-evaluate its decision and to ensure its foreign policy remains consistent with its stated commitment to democracy and human rights.
