13 Oct 2017 | 01:43 PM UTC
Kenya: Protests ongoing in Kisumu and Mombasa despite ban Oct. 13 /update 28
Protests taking place in Mombasa and Kisumu October 13 despite ongoing government ban; avoid all demonstrations
Event
Protests are reportedly taking place in Kisumu’s Kondele and Kibuye Market areas as well as in the city of Mombasa as of Friday morning, October 13, despite a government ban on all demonstrations issued on October 12. Protesters have reportedly blocked major roads in Kisumu using burning tires and a heavy security presence has been reported in the area. Protests are also likely in Nairobi, and in areas where the Kenyan National Super Alliance (NASA) opposition coalition enjoys popular support, such as Vihiga, Kakamega, Bungoma, and Busia counties.
Context
On October 12, the government announced a ban on all street demonstrations in the cities of Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu, due to security concerns. The ban followed NASA's October 11 announcement that they would begin holding daily anti-IEBC (Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission) demonstrations starting on October 16. These opposition-organized protests are intended to demand electoral changes ahead of the October 26 re-run election.
Following the now-annulled August 8 presidential elections - in which sitting President Uhuru Kenyatta reportedly won 54 percent of the vote - opposition candidate Raila Odinga announced he would challenge the results before the Supreme Court. Violent protests broke out after the election 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 released its final decision invalidating the August 8 election due to irregularities in vote counting, prompting renewed protests.
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.
