Kenya: Anti-government protest October 24 in Kisumu /update 1

Event

Opposition supporters are protesting to denounce the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) in the Kondele and Kibuye areas of Kisumu as of Tuesday morning, October 24. Protesters have reportedly blocked the Obote and Mosque roads as well as the Kisumu-Kakamega highway. The opposition has warned that further protests will take place nationwide on October 25. An increased security presence and related violence are likely.

Additionally, opposition leader Raila Odinga has called for mass protests to take place nationwide on election day, October 26, vowing to prevent the vote from taking place. The response of security forces to previous anti-government demonstrations held in recent months has been characterized by the use of tear gas and clashes with protesters; such violence is particularly likely to break out on October 26 if security forces believe that protests are disrupting the voting process.

The US Department of State issued a warning advising its nationals to avoid all nonessential travel - particularly in or to Kisumu - on election day due to these scheduled nationwide protests.

Context

A statement issued on October 18 by the chairman of the Kenyan IEBC expressed doubts concerning the body's ability to ensure free, fair, and credible elections elections if certain IEBC officials refuse to step down. The statement prompted  Odinga to call for a boycott of the election re-run as well as the nationwide demonstrations on election day, which has been declared a public holiday.

Numerous opposition protests have been organized to demand electoral changes ahead of elections. Following the now-annulled August 8 presidential elections - in which sitting President Uhuru Kenyatta was initially declared the winner with 54 percent of the vote - violent protests broke out in opposition strongholds; at least 35 people were killed in post-election violence August 9-14. On September 1, the Supreme Court officially invalidated the August 8 vote due to "irregularities".

Advice

Individuals in Kenya are advised to avoid all public gatherings (particularly political events) due to the risk of violence and to monitor the situation. Be prepared to shelter in place in the event the security situation in the country deteriorates (stock up on food, water, and other necessities). Additionally, those undertaking long-distance travel within the country are advised to consider traveling via plane (rather than by road) to minimize exposure to security threats.