18 Jul 2024 | 08:42 PM UTC
Kenya: Heightened security, protests, and clashes likely to persist nationwide into early August /update 10
Tight security, protests, clashes to persist across Kenya into early August. Unrest likely in Nairobi after court suspends protest ban.
Heightened security, protests, and sporadic clashes will likely continue across Kenya through at least early August. As of July 18, further unrest is likely in Nairobi after a Kenyan court suspended a police ban on protests in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD). The court's decision came after weeks of anti-government protests that have left at least 50 people dead since mid-June. Authorities also deployed additional security personnel after activists announced a planned gathering at Uhuru Park. Furthermore, the activist groups are planning demonstrations every Tuesday and Thursday through at least late August to force President William Ruto's ouster. Related demonstrations remain possible at various locations on other days as well.
Authorities will almost certainly maintain a heightened security presence along key thoroughfares, near government buildings, and in the vicinity of any protest activity that materializes. Especially tight security is likely in and around CBD, offices and homes of members of parliament, the State House, and the Parliament building. Localized transport, business, and telecommunications disruptions are likely.
Avoid all protests. Do not attempt to cross roadblocks set up by protesters. Plan accordingly for disruptions to transport, business operations, and telecommunications services. Confirm the status of driving routes shortly before travel. Heed instructions issued by local authorities and your home government. If violence occurs nearby, leave the area immediately and seek shelter in a safe, nongovernmental building. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations.
Ruto has taken several steps to address the demands of the protesters in Kenya, including withdrawing the controversial Finance Bill 2024, dissolving his entire cabinet except for the Prime Cabinet Secretary, implementing austerity measures to reduce government expenditure such as budget cuts, travel restrictions, removal of confidential budgets in Executive offices, reduction of advisers in government by at least 50 percent, and dissolution of at least 47 state corporations with overlapping functions, in an effort to create a more accountable and responsive government. Despite these measures, protests have continued, with activists now calling for the president's resignation.
Several foreign countries' diplomatic services, including those of Australia, Canada, France, the UK, and the US, have issued notices advising their citizens to avoid demonstrations and other political gatherings in Kenya.
