The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs has responded to mounting criticism from Kenyans regarding the planned state visit by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Máxima to Kenya.
The Ministry confirmed receiving over 300 emails from concerned citizens requesting the cancellation of the visit, scheduled to take place from March 18 to March 20, 2025.
The Netherlands Information Service previously announced that the royal visit, initiated at the invitation of President William Ruto, represents a pivotal moment in strengthening ties between the two nations. According to the Service, the visit underscores Kenya’s growing influence on the global stage.
“The Netherlands seeks to forge new partnerships and deepen existing ties. Kenya plays an increasingly influential role on the global stage,” the statement noted.
The announcement has sparked a wave of criticism on social media, with many Kenyans expressing concerns over issues of insecurity, governance, and alleged human rights violations.
Critics have cited unresolved cases of abductions, enforced disappearances of government critics, and mistreatment of opposition figures from neighboring countries as reasons for their disapproval.
Prominent whistleblower Nelson Amenya shared contact information for Dutch authorities, urging Kenyans to voice their concerns about the visit.
One social media user, Charles, appealed to the royal family to reconsider, stating, “With all due respect to King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, kindly reconsider this state visit in light of Kenya’s current political situation. Government critics have been abducted, and the Kenyan government has been unable or unwilling to investigate and provide full details.”
Another user, Kie Julius, shared a screenshot of his email to the Dutch royals, which read, “Your Majesty King Willem-Alexander, I am writing to you as a concerned Kenyan citizen regarding your planned state visit to our country. While I understand the importance of diplomatic relations, I respectfully urge you to reconsider your itinerary.”
Dutch Ministry’s Response
The Dutch public broadcaster Nederlandse Omroep Stichting (NOS) reported that the Foreign Affairs Ministry, in conjunction with the Government Information Service, acknowledged receiving numerous emails about the visit.
In a written statement, the Ministry noted that the visit would proceed as planned and serve as an opportunity to address contentious issues such as alleged human rights violations.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also on behalf of the Government Information Service, stated that it is aware of the human rights violations in Kenya, ‘against which the Netherlands speaks out both publicly and in contacts with Kenyan authorities,’ and that it sees the visit as an opportunity to ‘discuss difficult topics such as human rights violations,’” NOS reported.
A Return Visit
This visit follows Queen Máxima’s previous trip to Kenya in October 2023, during her tenure as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development (UNSGSA).
Despite public opposition, the royal visit is set to proceed, with both nations highlighting its significance in fostering deeper bilateral relations and addressing critical concerns.
