Kenya: Violent clashes at opposition protest in Nairobi Nov. 28 /update 5

Event

Clashes were reported on Tuesday, November 28, in Nairobi between police and supporters of opposition National Super Alliance (NASA) coalition candidate Raila Odinga. Police reportedly used teargas to disperse NASA supporters who had gathered for a prayer rally at the Jacaranda grounds in the Embakasi neighborhood; security officials claim that the rally was taking place illegally.  At least one person was killed and three others were injured in the clashes. The clashes occurred as President Uhuru Kenyatta was being sworn in as president at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi amid tight security; no security incidents were reported at the inauguration site.

Additionally, former opposition presidential candidate Raila Odinga announced on Tuesday that he continues to consider the results of the October 26 re-run election to be illegitimate, and will hold his own presidential inauguration ceremony on December 12. A location for the event has yet to be announced.

Further large public gatherings, as well as increased security measures and transportation disruptions, are to be expected in the coming days. Violence cannot be ruled out.

Context

Kenya has experienced several months of political crisis surrounding this year’s presidential election. President Kenyatta was initially declared the victor of the August 8 presidential elections, garnering 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 Odinga, who claimed the vote would not be fair. 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.