Dutch Government Confirms Over 300 Emails from Kenyans Opposing Monarchs’ Visit
The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed receiving over 300 emails from concerned Kenyans urging the cancellation of the upcoming state visit by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Máxima. The royal couple is set to visit Kenya from March 18 to March 20, 2025, following an invitation by President William Ruto.
This unexpected wave of opposition comes after the Royal House of the Netherlands announced last week that the visit would mark a significant step in strengthening Kenya-Netherlands diplomatic relations. However, many Kenyans have voiced their concerns over the country’s deteriorating human rights situation, citing incidents of enforced disappearances, police brutality, and suppression of dissent.
Kenyans’ Outcry Over Human Rights Violations
The emails sent to the Dutch government reportedly highlight cases of abductions and extrajudicial actions targeting opposition figures and activists. Online campaigns calling for the cancellation of the visit have gained traction, with activists arguing that Kenya’s current administration should be held accountable for human rights violations before engaging in high-profile diplomatic visits.
Dutch public broadcaster Nederlandse Omroep Stichting (NOS) reported that the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged the influx of emails but maintained that the visit remains on schedule. According to NOS, the ministry, in collaboration with the Government Information Service (RVD), is still reviewing the situation.
“Foreign Affairs confirms when asked, also on behalf of the RVD, that they have received at least 300 emails about the royal visit to Kenya but do not yet have the full picture and are still investigating this,” NOS stated.
Netherlands Stands by Its Human Rights Commitment
In an official statement, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated its commitment to addressing human rights concerns in Kenya. The ministry affirmed that the Netherlands has consistently spoken out against human rights violations, both in public forums and diplomatic engagements with Kenyan authorities.
“The Ministry sees the visit as an opportunity to discuss difficult topics such as human rights violations,” the statement read.
The upcoming state visit is historically significant as it marks the first-ever visit by Dutch monarchs to Kenya. Despite the backlash, Dutch officials insist that the visit will be instrumental in reinforcing diplomatic ties while also raising critical issues, including governance, human rights, and economic collaboration.
What Next?
As the debate over the visit continues, human rights activists in Kenya have called for concrete commitments from both governments on improving civil liberties. Whether these calls will translate into tangible action remains to be seen. For now, the Dutch royal visit is still set to proceed as planned, with high expectations from both supporters and critics alike.
In other news:Dutch Royal Visit to Kenya: Amnesty International Calls for Human Rights Focus
Dutch Government Confirms Over 300 Emails from Kenyans Opposing Monarchs’ Visit