Kenya: Presidential inauguration in Nairobi November 28 /update 4

Event

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s inauguration will take place in the capital city of Nairobi on Tuesday, November 28. The ceremony will be held at the Moi International Sports Centre located in the Kasarani district of the capital. Police officials have designated Mombasa Road, Uhuru Highway, the junction of Limuru and Prof Wangari Maathai Road, and the Thika Superhighway as “red zones” with a heightened security presence.

The opposition National Super Alliance (NASA) coalition plans to hold a demonstration during the swearing-in ceremony at Uhuru Park; however, NASA has not received authorization for the rally.

Large public gatherings, as well as increased security measures and transportation disruptions, are expected throughout the city. 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.