Kenya: Further unrest possible at University of Nairobi Oct. 3 /update 1

Event

Further demonstrations and unrest are possible over the coming days following overnight student protests on October 2-3 in the vicinity of the University of Nairobi. Following a series of protests, the Senate has announced that the University of Nairobi will be closed indefinitely due to the deteriorating security situation and students have been asked to vacate residence halls. Localized protests were reported on Tuesday morning along Lower Kabete Road, but the decision to close the university has at least temporarily obstructed demonstrations planned to be held throughout the day.

Students are demanding the resignation of the university’s vice chancellor for supposedly permitting police raids on the university campus on September 28 that left 27 students injured. Monday night’s protests resulted in incidents of looting and assault against motorists in the area, where sections of Mamlaka Road and State House Road were blocked. Police reportedly dispersed the crowds by firing shots into the air.

Context

Protests broke out at the university on September 28 after opposition MP Babu Owino was arrested, reportedly to be charged with assaulting a former political opponent as well as subversion and offensive conduct. Supporters of Owino, who was previously leader of the University of Nairobi Student Organization, clashed with security forces on the campus and were dispersed by riot police and tear gas.

Kenya has recently seen significant protests related to alleged electoral irregularities during the August 8 re-election of President Kenyatta, with at least 24 people reportedly killed in post-election violence between August 9 and August 14. On September 1, the Supreme Court announced that it was invalidating Kenyatta’s re-election due to concerns over irregularities uncovered in the original vote. A new election is currently scheduled for October 26. Tensions remain elevated, and associated protests are likely in the coming days and weeks. 

Advice

Individuals in Kenya are advised to avoid all protests due to the risk of violence and to monitor the political situation closely due to the risk of deterioration in the security environment.