03 Oct 2017 | 12:17 PM UTC
Kenya: Nairobi protests after MP arrested September 28
Clashes occur during protests at University of Nairobi after MP Babu Owino rearrested in Nairobi September 28; further protests likely
Event
Protests broke out at the University of Nairobi on Thursday, September 28, after opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Babu Owino was re-arrested following his release at Milimani High Court. Reports say Owino is to be charged with assaulting a former political opponent, as well as charges of subversion and offensive conduct. Supporters of Owino clashed with security forces, and were dispersed by riot police and tear gas. Local roads such as University Way, Uhuru Highway, Haile Selassie Avenue, and Lower State House Road were temporarily disrupted.
Owino is set to return to the court on Wednesday, October 4. An increased security presence as well as potentially violent protests are likely near the court at that time.
Opposition groups suspect that authorities intend to detain Owino so that he misses eight consecutive parliamentary sittings, which are grounds for expulsion from Parliament.
Context
Owino was first arrested on September 25 for allegedly insulting President Uhuru Kenyatta.
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 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 of a sudden deterioration in the country’s security situation (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.
