Kenya: Opposition protests continue October 27 /update 8

Event

Localized incidents of unrest following yesterday's election continued in some areas of the country on Friday, October 27. In Nairobi, protesters clashed with police in the Kawangware and along the Juja Road. Police officials said that a youth demonstrator was shot and killed in Bungoma after attempting to grab a firearm from an officer. As of Friday morning, shops had reportedly started to re-open and road traffic had begun to normalize in Kisumu and the restive Nairobi districts of Kibera and Mathare, although roads are still reportedly littered with rocks and the remnants of burned barricades. During the afternoon, protests commenced in Kondele and along Obote Road, Kisumu.

The National Super Alliance (NASA) opposition coalition also released a statement on Friday calling for the IEBC to cancel the postponed elections in Homa Bay, Migori, Kisumu, and Siaya counties set for Saturday, October 28. NASA leaders have accused the IEBC of ethnic profiling against Luos and delaying the vote to allow further attacks against the community. Opposition supporters have been asked to stay home and boycott the vote. Tensions remain high throughout country and further protests are likely in the coming hours and days, particularly in the counties were voting was postponed. Additional violence is likely.

Context

Voter turnout during the presidential election re-run that took place on Thursday, October 26, was reportedly very low, with estimates ranging between 34 and 45 percent of eligible voters. The low turnout is largely attributable to the opposition’s call to boycott the election as well as the violent unrest that hindered access to the polls. At least four people were killed during the violence in recent days. Ballot counting is currently underway but according to media reports, incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta has been projected the winner with 98 percent of the vote.

On October 25, Kenya’s main political opposition leader Raila Odinga issued a statement declaring that the opposition coalition has become a “resistance movement” and stated that he intends to start a civil disobedience campaign and boycott of businesses considered to benefit from the current regime. NASA leaders also said they were seeking to ensure that new, credible elections are organized within 90 days.

Numerous opposition protests were organized in the weeks leading up to election day to demand electoral reforms. Following the now-annulled August 8 presidential elections - in which 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, to monitor the situation, and to shelter in place in the event the security situation in the country deteriorates. Additionally, those undertaking long-distance travel within the country in the coming days are advised to consider traveling via plane (rather than by road) to minimize exposure to security threats.