Dutch King will discuss human rights concerns during state visit to Kenya
King Willem-Alexander believes it is appropriate to pay attention to “human rights, good governance, and accountability” during his state visit to Kenya, he said in his press statement at the start of the visit. According to the Dutch King, the relationship between the Netherlands and Kenya is “mature” enough to discuss these topics.
“The people of Kenya, like those of the Netherlands, want their rights as free citizens to be respected, and their voices to be heard. I’m pleased that our countries’ strong and mature relationship allows us to devote attention during this visit to issues like human rights, good governance, and accountability,” the Dutch King said. “We are grateful to have the opportunity to discuss the concerns that exist in these areas.”
Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima are on a three-day state visit to Kenya. The visit caused a lot of controversy, with critics urging the Royals to cancel the visit as long as William Ruto is still president. Various human rights organizations have raised concerns about the situation in Kenya since the government cracked down hard on a protest against tax increases last year, leaving dozens of people dead.
The Dutch King also said that the Netherlands attaches “great value” to its cooperation with Kenya. “Our diplomatic ties go back more than 60 years, and Kenya’s extraordinary development over those decades has been highly impressive,” he said. “This will be a wonderful opportunity to meet Kenyans from many different backgrounds, and to foster even closer ties between our two countries.”
The Kenyan president did not mention human rights in his press statement. He said he was grateful that the Dutch Royals were going to experience “the socio-economic progress” in Keyna and wished them an “honest” and “memorable” visit.
