19 Oct 2017 | 11:59 AM UTC
Kenya: Political crisis worsens October 18
IEBC member announcement that October 26 re-run ballot cannot be credible prompts protests and calls for election boycott; further protests likely
Event
On Wednesday, October 18, a member of the Independent Electoral Boundaries Commission (IEBC) resigned, accusing her colleagues of political bias and claiming that any presidential election cannot be credible - a statement the IEBC chairman has voiced support for, asking electoral officials to step aside and allow the IEBC to monitor the polls. The chairman also warned political leaders not to interfere with the electoral process. Violent protests broke out in Kisumu following the Wednesday announcements and further protests were reported along the Uhuru Highway and Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi on Thursday, where police forces reportedly fired tear gas to disperse protesters. It is unclear if these protests are in response to Wednesday’s developments or to denounce recent acts of police brutality. Further protests and related violence are likely in the coming days.
The IEBC developments prompted opposition candidate Raila Odinga to call for a boycott of the October 26 presidential election re-run, as well as nationwide demonstrations on election day.
Context
Numerous opposition protests have been organized to demand electoral changes ahead of any future elections. Following the now-annulled August 8 presidential elections - in which sitting President Uhuru Kenyatta won 54 percent of the vote - violent protests broke out in opposition strongholds on August 9; 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.
