Kenya: Police disperse protesters in Mombasa November 13

Event

A number of students from the Technical University of Mombasa (TUM) took to the streets in Mombasa on Wednesday, November 13, to denounce prevailing insecurity in the region. Police officers fired live ammunition into the air to disperse crowds after students started to throw stones at security forces. Further demonstrations may occur in the coming days.

Context

Crime rates are very high in urban areas throughout Kenya (e.g. Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu) and at beach resorts. Pickpocketing, assaults (including sexual assault), carjacking, and residential burglaries happen on a regular basis and tend to increase in frequency after nightfall. Foreigners are often specifically targeted due to their presumed wealth

Advice

Individuals in Mombasa are advised to avoid all public gatherings due to the risk of violence and to monitor the situation. On a more general note, individuals throughout the country are advised to adhere to the following recommendations:

• Remain vigilant at all times while in public

• Minimize travel by foot

• Avoid going out after nightfall

• Maintain a low profile and avoid any conspicuous dress

• Whenever possible, travel with a local guide

• Be extremely vigilant at ATMs and when exiting banks

• As criminals are often armed, never offer resistance during an attempted robbery; obey all orders given, avoid eye contact and sudden movements, and do everything in your power to keep the situation as calm as possible

• To avoid becoming an easy target, vary daily routes to reduce the predictability of your movements

• When driving, keep doors locked, windows rolled up, and all valuables out of plain sight; maintain sufficient space between you and the car ahead of you to allow for room to maneuver, keeping in mind that you are vulnerable when stuck in traffic

• If you believe you are being followed, drive to a police station or other public facility, never home

• Park as close to your destination as possible when traveling by car, particularly after dark • When possible, use a chauffeured car service; never use public transportation