Kenya: Opposition supporters protest in Kisumu March 28

Event

Opposition supporters protested in Kisumu on Wednesday, March 28, demanding the release of opposition figure Miguna Miguna from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), where he has reportedly been held since attempting to re-enter the country on Monday. Demonstrations started around 10:00 (local time), with protesters erecting barricades along the main highway between Kisumu and Kakamega. Barricades were also reported at the Kondele roundabout and bonfires were lit on some streets, disrupting traffic. Further demonstrations are likely in Kisumu and other opposition strongholds in the coming days if Miguna is not released from custody. Clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

Miguna was detained at NBO on Monday, March 26, while attempting to return to Kenya from Canada. Miguna had been deported to Canada in February after he was found to have failed to follow administrative procedures after receiving Canadian citizenship several years ago; however, the deportation also came amid a crackdown on opposition politicians who had taken part in a symbolic “inauguration” of opposition leader Raila Odinga after the latter lost last year’s presidential election to incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta. Following Miguna’s return to Kenyan territory and detention in the airport, a judge ordered he be released from custody and directed him to appear in court on Wednesday morning; however, Miguna posted a statement on social media that he was still being detained as of Wednesday.

This current standoff comes after 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 opposition candidate Raila 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.