Kenya: Kenya-Tanzania highway blocked Feb. 6

Event

Supporters of the National Super Alliance (NASA) opposition coalition have blocked parts of the A1 - the main route connecting Kenya to Tanzania - in Migori as of the morning of Tuesday, February 6. Demonstrators are demanding the release of prominent lawyer and opposition figure Miguna Miguna, who was arrested on February 2 for his involvement in opposition leader Raila Odinga's illegal swearing-in ceremony as “People’s President” on January 30.

Further protests to denounce the arrest of Miguna and other opposition members may occur in the coming days, particularly in Nairobi and other opposition strongholds.

Context

Tensions are high in the country after Odinga was "sworn in" as the "People's President" on January 30. The following day, opposition Member of Parliament TJ Kajwang was arrested in Nairobi for swearing in Odinga at the ceremony. In response to the arrest, NASA supporters rioted in the streets of Kisumu, lighting fires and blocking traffic in the city's Kondele area. On February 3, police arrested a third opposition member, George Aladwa.

Kenya experienced several months of political crisis surrounding the 2017 presidential elections. Incumbent President Kenyatta was initially declared the victor of the August 8 election, garnering 54 percent of the vote.  However, in early September, the Supreme Court officially invalidated the vote due to "irregularities." A re-run election was held in October, 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. These months of political instability in Kenya were accompanied by violent protests, by both government and opposition supporters.

Advice

Individuals in Kenya, particularly in Nairobi and Kisumu, are advised to avoid all public gatherings (especially political events) due to the risk of violence and to monitor the situation.