Kenya: Calm returns throughout the country Nov. 22 /update 3

Event

Calm seems to have been restored throughout the country as of the morning of Wednesday, November 22, including in the capital Nairobi and the city of Kisumu, a stronghold of the National Super Alliance (NASA) opposition coalition. Tensions and violence broke out on November 20 following a ruling by the Supreme Court validating the results of the October 26 presidential re-run vote; five people were killed.

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s inauguration has been set for Tuesday, November 28. A heightened security presence is expected throughout the country in the coming week, and additional violence cannot be ruled out.

Context

President Kenyatta won the August 8 presidential elections with 54 percent of the vote. However, on September 1, the Supreme Court officially invalidated the vote due to "irregularities." A re-run election was held on October 26, but was boycotted by opposition candidate Raila Odinga. President Kenyatta won re-election with 98 percent of the vote, but with only 39 percent voter turnout. Violent protests erupted in some areas of Nairobi, Kisumu, and Migori on November 20, after Kenya's Supreme Court dismissed two cases challenging the October 26 re-run vote.

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 of a deterioration in the local security situation (widespread violent protests, etc.). 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.