Kenya: State funeral scheduled for former President Daniel Arap Moi in Nairobi February 11 /update 1

Event

The Kenyan government has announced that road restrictions will be implemented in Nairobi from Saturday, February 8, until Tuesday, February 11, due a state funeral scheduled for former President Daniel Arap Moi, which will be held in the capital on Tuesday. Disruptions are notably expected on the Valley Road, Kenyatta Avenue, and Parliament Way, where the procession will pass. Moi's body will lie in the Parliament building as of Saturday, February 8, until the memorial service is held in Nairobi's Nyayo Stadium on February 11, to allow the public to pay tribute. Moi will then be buried in his hometown, Kabarak (Nakuru County) on Wednesday, February 12.

February 11, was declared a public holiday to give Kenyans the opportunity to attend the memorial service.

Large crowds, a heightened police presence, and localized disruptions are anticipated in Nairobi during the memorial events.

Context

Daniel Arap Moi came into power in 1978 following the death of President Jomo Kenyatta. He was president until 2002, when he was constitutionally barred from running for another term.

Advice

Individuals in Kenya, particularly in Nairobi, are advised to keep abreast of the situation, respect local customs, refrain from discussing political topics in public or on social media, anticipate heightened security measures and transportation disruptions near associated events, and avoid public gatherings as a precaution.