13 Jul 2023 | 09:02 AM UTC
Kenya: Further anti-government demonstrations likely nationwide through mid-July /update 1
Further anti-government protests likely across Kenya through mid-July amid tax increases and economic crisis. Likely violence.
Event
Further anti-government protests over tax increases are likely nationwide through at least mid-July. President William Ruto recently announced the doubling of the tax on petroleum products from eight to 16 percent. Raila Odinga, the leader of the opposition Azimio la Umajo-One Kenya Coalition, has been repeatedly calling for protests since March over this issue and the increased cost of living.
Security personnel will almost certainly be stationed in urban centers across the country to monitor and disperse gatherings. Protesters could gather along major roadways, in city centers, near government buildings, or public squares. Police will likely make use of tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse protestors. Clashes between opposing groups of activists or between security forces and protesters are likely.
Context
Protestors gathered in main urban centers on July 12, including Mombasa and Nairobi, forcing businesses to close and prompting transport disruptions. Acts of vandalism, arson, and clashes with security forces occurred at several locations, including Nairobi (particularly in the Mathare area), Mombasa, Nyeri, and Nakuru, and elsewhere. At least six people were killed in the violence. Protesters also disrupted road traffic along the Siaya-Kisumu, Kisii-Nyamira, and Nairobi-Mombasa (near Emali) roads; as of early July 13, it is unclear whether road traffic has resumed along the affected roads. The violence and casualties may serve to exacerbate tensions and protest action.
Advice
Avoid all protests or large gatherings due to the risk of associated violence. Do not attempt to move through roadblocks. Plan for disruptions to general and freight transport in case of further protestors. Reconfirm the status of routes in the hours preceding travel. Reconfirm all public transport services that operate in or through the affected areas. Adhere to instructions issued by local authorities. If violence occurs nearby, leave the area immediately and seek shelter in a safe, nongovernmental building.
