Kenya: Opposition cancels protests after government agrees to bipartisan talks May 4 /update 3

Event

Kenyan political opposition coalition, the Azimio la Umajo-One Kenya Coalition, has announced it would cancel the protests scheduled for May 4 after officials agreed to negotiations. Political negotiations aim to lower the cost of living, among other concessions, and remove President Ruto from office. The opposition had scheduled protests to occur May 4 following previous rounds of demonstrations April 28 and May 2; authorities had banned all gatherings by the Azimio coalition, citing security concerns.

Heightened security will likely remain near governmental buildings, especially in Nairobi's CBD. Should any demonstrations still occur, security personnel will probably 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. Localized transport and business disruptions are likely near gatherings.

Context

Protests occurred regularly in Kenya through March. After a month-long suspension, they resumed April 28 despite authorities imposing an indefinite nationwide ban on all Azimio demonstrations March 26 after Odinga called for indefinite nationwide protests every Monday and Thursday from March 27. Heavy police presence in the capital largely prevented protests May 2 and led 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, demonstrations concentrate mainly in the CBD. Some individuals reportedly engaged in vandalism, arson, and looting amid the protests, especially in the Mathare area of Nairobi. In March, assailants set Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party offices in Siaya ablaze.

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, security forces reportedly gassed a group of protesting MPs near President Ruto's offices. Earlier reports on the March protests suggested that they resulted in at least three protestors killed and 400 injured, including 60 police officers.

Advice

Avoid all demonstrations as a precaution. Heed the instructions of local authorities. Remain alert as spontaneous protests could still occur. If violence occurs nearby, leave the area immediately and seek shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building.