Kenya: Opposition protests in multiple cities Sep. 26 /update 18

Event

Supporters of the opposition National Super Alliance (NASA) held multiple demonstrations in major cities on Tuesday, September 26. Protests were held in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa. According to media reports, around 3000 people rallied in Kisumu, an opposition stronghold. Demonstrators in Mombasa gathered outside of the local election office. The protest in Nairobi started at approximately 10:00 (local time), with NASA supporters meeting outside of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) building. Police officers used tear gas and batons to eventually disperse the protesters. Additional protests are likely in the coming days.

Context

Opposition leader Raila Odinga and other NASA leaders are calling for the resignation of the Kenyan Electoral Commission (IEBC), which Odinga has accused of electoral fraud. On Monday, September 25, Odinga said that protests will continue until election officials are removed.

On September 1, the Supreme Court released its final decision invalidating President Uhuru Kenyatta’s re-election on August 8, due to reported irregularities in vote counting. The Court released additional details behind its decision on September 20, which revealed that much of the blame for the reported irregularities had been placed on the Kenyan Electoral Commission (IEBC), prompting renewed protests in Nairobi.

The current controversy started when opposition leader Raila Odinga announced that he would challenge the results of the August 8 presidential election – in which sitting President Kenyatta won with 54 percent of the vote - in the Supreme Court amid claims that the electronic tally system had been rigged. Violent protests broke out after the election in opposition strongholds on August 9; at least 24 people were killed in post-election violence between August 9 and August 14.

Opposition candidate Raila Odinga has threatened that he would not participate in the re-run unless “legal and constitutional guarantees are met” e.g., the removal of 12 IEBC officials accused of electoral fraud. Furthermore, French company OT Morpho, the IEBC’s supplier of electronic equipment (and accused of colluding with the IEBC) had previously warned that the system used for the elections will not be ready in time for the re-run, initially planned for October 17, and now postponed to October 26. 

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.