Kenya: Further opposition protests are likely nationwide through early May /update 2

Event

Kenyan political opposition coalition, the Azimio la Umajo-One Kenya Coalition, has announced it will resume demonstrations from May 4. Further details have not been provided. Protests are likely in major urban centers, such as Nairobi. Demonstrators will likely continue to gather at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) offices, the National Treasury, and the Office of the President in the capital. The protests are a continuation of previous rounds of demonstrations on April 28 and May 2 to demand the resignation of President William Ruto. The coalition is also calling on officials to work to lower the cost of living, among other concessions. Authorities have banned all protests by the Azimio coalition, citing security concerns.

Security personnel will almost certainly deploy to protest areas and could attempt to disperse the gatherings and remove potential roadblocks. Clashes between demonstrators and police, as well as rival political groups, cannot be ruled out. Transport and business disruptions are likely in areas near gatherings.

Context

Protests occurred regularly in Kenya through March and, after a month-long suspension, they resumed on April 28 despite authorities imposing an indefinite, nationwide ban on all Azimio protests on March 26 after Odinga called for indefinite nationwide protests every Monday and Thursday from March 27. Protests on May 2 were largely prevented by heavy police presence in the capital, leading to the closure of large areas of the CBD and 46 arrests.

In these events, protests and clashes took place in several areas, including in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Homa Bay. In Nairobi, protest locations are concentrated in the CBD, drawing a heavy security presence. Some individuals reportedly engaged in acts of vandalism, arson, and looting amid the protests, especially in the Mathare area of Nairobi. In March, Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party offices were set ablaze in the town of Siaya.

For their part, police have deployed heavy security, especially in the capital Nairobi. Reports of tear gas usage to disperse crowds have surfaced in multiple cities, including in Nairobi; on May 2, a group of protesting MPs was reportedly gassed by security forces near President Ruto's offices. Earlier reports on the March protests suggested that at least three protestors were killed and 400 injured, including 60 police officers.

Advice

Avoid all protests and large gatherings as a standard security precaution. Do not drive through roadblocks. Heed the instructions of local authorities. Allow extra time to reach destinations near locations where demonstration activity is taking place. If violence occurs nearby, leave the area immediately and seek shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building.