Kenya: Opposition party coalition plans rally at Kamukunji Grounds in Nairobi June 27

Event

The opposition Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya coalition plans to rally at the Kamukunji Grounds in Nairobi from 10:00 on June 27. The rally follows the passage of the Finance Bill 2023 by the Members of the National Assembly, and the opposition coalition wants to consult with its supporters to determine the way forward. Organizers have not announced the time of the event. The amount of participants the event may draw remains unclear.

Security personnel will likely deploy to monitor the rally and may attempt to break up disruptive gatherings. Localized transport and business disruptions are likely near the Kamukunji Grounds. President Ruto's supporters may try to hold counterprotests near the protest site. Clashes between opposing groups of activists or between security forces and protesters cannot be ruled out.

Context

Azimio, along with Kenya’s civil servant unions and civil societies, have threatened to stage a nationwide strike if the government proceeds with the plan to increase taxes, including deducting three percent of their salaries as mandatory contributions to the housing fund. The union said the tax, as included in the Finance Bill 2023, will further shrink pay slips for employees already struggling with the high cost of living.

Advice

Avoid the protest. Plan for delays near the protest site. If violence occurs nearby, leave the area immediately and seek shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Heed instructions from authorities.