U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Mark Dillard (l) meeting with Speaker of the N.A. Dr Moses Wetang’ula at parliament on Monday…..Photo/courtesy.
NAIROBI, Kenya .
National Assembly Speaker Dr. Moses Wetang’ula on Monday held talks with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Mark Dillard, touching on student visa delays, police accountability, and the growing wave of public demonstrations led by Kenyan youth.
The meeting at Parliament Buildings came as Kenya grapples with nationwide protests sparked by the controversial Finance Bill, and growing calls for justice over the deaths and injuries reported during recent demonstrations.
Wetang’ula said the conversation with Dillard was “cordial and constructive,” and emphasized Kenya’s commitment to constitutionalism, rule of law, and democratic freedoms.
“We exchanged views on recent developments in the country, particularly the ongoing public demonstrations,” he said in a statement.
“Peaceful assembly is a right enshrined in our Constitution, and the actions of law enforcement must be subject to legal and institutional oversight. Where excesses occur, accountability must follow.”
The Speaker said the government is preparing formal responses to recent incidents, including the murder of blogger Albert Ojwang and the shooting of a protester during last Wednesday’s demonstrations.
He confirmed that Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen is expected to address the matter publicly.
Murkomen also appeared before Parliament last week amid increasing pressure over police conduct and public safety concerns during the protests.
Wetang’ula linked the unrest to deeper frustrations among the youth.
“The Gen Z protests are not a rejection of government—they are a demand for accountability,” he said. “They are asking the hard questions, and we must be ready to answer.”
The Speaker also raised concerns about delays in reconstituting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), warning that time is running out ahead of the next general election.
“Delimitation of boundaries, voter registration, and cleaning of the register must begin without delay,” he said. “The credibility of our elections depends on early and inclusive preparations.”
On a more optimistic note, Wetang’ula welcomed news that student visa interviews to the United States had resumed following a brief suspension. He said the development would benefit many Kenyan students hoping to study abroad.
“This reflects the strength of educational and people-to-people ties between our two countries,” he said.
Dillard is expected to conclude his diplomatic tour in Nairobi on July 19 before heading to his next assignment in South Africa.
Wetang’ula praised Dillard’s tenure as one marked by “dialogue, goodwill, and continued partnership.”
“As he prepares to depart, I wished him well and reaffirmed our commitment to strengthening U.S.–Kenya relations,” he said.
Ends.
