26 Jun 2024 | 06:29 PM UTC
Kenya: Tense security situation to continue nationwide through at least early July despite president's withdrawal from signing finance bill /update 5
Security situation across Kenya likely to remain tense through at least early July despite President Ruto withdrawing finance bill.
The security situation in Kenya will likely remain unstable through at least early July despite President William Ruto's withdrawal from signing the controversial 2024 finance bill and call for dialogue with youth groups and other stakeholders on June 26. The move comes after activists, mostly youth, used the "Occupy Parliament" slogan to oppose the government's new finance bill, which would result in increased taxes.
On June 25, Protesters stormed the Parliament building and burned the Nairobi city hall building, resulting in at least 13 fatalities and several injuries; clashes and disruptive protests have been regularly reported since June 20. Monitoring groups reported that internet services were severely disrupted across Kenya during the afternoon of June 25. As of June 26, protest organizers have not officially reacted to President Ruto's announcement regarding the finance bill. However, they have planned further demonstrations for June 27 to blockade major access roads to Nairobi and storm the State House.
Several consular authorities, including the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO) and the embassies of France and the US, have issued notices advising their citizens to avoid demonstrations. However, as of late June 26, consular authorities had not instructed their nationals to evacuate Kenya.
Despite the president's announcement, authorities will almost certainly deploy a heightened security presence along key thoroughfares, near government buildings, and amid any protest activity that may materialize. Especially tight security is likely in Nairobi around the State House, Parliament Building, government buildings, and along major highways. Security forces may establish checkpoints to prevent protesters from gathering. Activists could also block roads. Clashes between security forces and demonstrators are likely; Kenyan authorities are generally quick to use force in dispersing protests. Business and telecommunications disruptions are possible in areas affected by protest activity. Officials could suspend telecommunications and internet services if unrest escalates.
Monitor developments. Avoid all protests. Do not attempt to move through protester roadblocks. Plan for disruptions to general and freight transport and possibly to communication services. Reconfirm the status of roads in the hours preceding travel. Heed instructions issued by authorities. If violence occurs nearby, leave the area immediately and seek shelter in a safe, nongovernmental building.
Ruto's withdrawal of the controversial finance bill will likely quell the violent protests that have plagued the country, resulting in numerous deaths and injuries. However, it simultaneously creates a substantial budget shortfall, complicating efforts to address the nation's considerable public debt.
Kenya's government introduced a contentious finance bill in May 2024, proposing various new taxes to increase revenue and reduce the fiscal deficit from 5.7 percent to 3.3 percent of GDP, with a target of raising $2.7 billion. The bill faced significant opposition from the main opposition coalition, Azimio la Umoja, public and civic groups, leading to widespread protests. Despite government concessions, such as removing proposed taxes on bread and cooking oil, demonstrations have escalated, with protesters demanding the complete withdrawal of the bill.
