Dutch Royals Visit Kenya amid Growing Human Rights Concerns

Kenya is currently hosting Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima for a three-day official visit, despite increasing allegations of human rights abuses in the East African nation. The visit comes at a time when many Kenyans have voiced their concerns over the human rights situation, with some 22,000 people signing a petition urging the royal couple to cancel the trip.

Critics argue that the visit could be seen as an endorsement of the Kenyan government, which has faced widespread criticism for its treatment of dissenters, particularly after the violent crackdown on demonstrators during June’s anti-government protests. During the protests, demonstrators stormed the parliament building and set part of it on fire in protest against new tax laws. In addition to the violent suppression of protests, the government has been accused of curbing free speech and conducting state-linked abductions, targeting individuals for social media posts deemed offensive to President William Ruto.

Despite these concerns, the royal visit proceeded as scheduled. The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs received over 300 emails from concerned citizens calling for the cancellation, but insisted that the visit would offer an opportunity to address sensitive topics, including human rights.

Amnesty International called on both the Kenyan and Dutch governments to prioritize human rights during the visit, urging them to address the recent brutal crackdown on critics and activists. “The people of Kenya, like those of the Netherlands, want their rights as free citizens to be respected and their voices to be heard,” King Willem-Alexander said in a statement following a meeting with President Ruto on Tuesday.

The royals’ arrival was marked with a ceremonial 21-gun salute and an honor guard inspection. However, there was little enthusiasm from Kenyans on the streets, reflecting the growing disillusionment and “low morale” among the population, according to Macharia Munene, a professor of international relations at the United States International University-Africa.

“There is low trust for the government and what it stands for, largely because essential public institutions like health and education are struggling,” Munene said. “The diplomatic influence Kenya once had has significantly diminished.”

While in Kenya, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima are scheduled to meet with Kenyan youth to discuss the country’s human rights situation. The visit is also expected to focus on strengthening trade, climate change initiatives, and sustainable development. Kenya and the Netherlands signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to enhance trade and agriculture, as well as an agreement on tourism to boost Dutch visitor numbers.

In his meeting with President Ruto, King Willem-Alexander also addressed issues related to democracy, the rule of law, and judicial independence. The Dutch monarch’s delegation includes several ministers, including Foreign Affairs Minister Caspar Veldkamp, Foreign Trade and Development Minister Reinette Klever, and Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans. They are expected to discuss peace and security, food security, and other pressing matters.

This visit marks the second time that President Ruto has hosted reigning monarchs, following King Charles III and Queen Camilla’s visit in November 2023. The Netherlands and Kenya have maintained diplomatic ties for over six decades, with the Netherlands being the largest importer of Kenyan goods.