Kenya: Opposition calls for protests Oct. 11 /update 23

Event

The National Super Alliance (NASA) opposition coalition has called for nationwide protests to take place on Wednesday, October 11. On Tuesday, October 10, Kenyan opposition candidates Raila Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka announced they have withdrawn from the upcoming presidential election re-run. According to Odinga, his decision to withdraw from the race is intended to allow for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to implement reforms for a more credible election. He claims that the IEBC has not made the necessary changes to avoid the irregularities and illegalities that took place during the previous vote in August. Despite the withdrawal of Odinga and Musyoka, President Uhuru Kenyatta said that he is ready to proceed with the re-run on October 26.

In response to the these developments, NASA supporters are planning to hold a rally in the capital city of Nairobi on Wednesday, starting at 09:00 (local time). Participants will gather at Uhuru Park before marching along Hailie Selassie Avenue, Moi Avenue, and Kenyatta Avenue back to the park. The protesters will then walk toward Anniversary Towers. It is possible that supporters of President Kenyatta will hold a counter-protest in the same area, although no specific plans have been announced. Additional demonstrations may occur in other major urban areas. Expect an increased police presence and traffic disruptions along the march route. Violence between security forces and rival protesters cannot be ruled out.

Context

Opposition supporters protested in Nairobi on Monday, October 9, calling for the IEBC to dismiss officials who the opposition holds responsible for the mismanagement of the August 8 election. The National Super Alliance (NASA) opposition coalition and Odinga have accused the IEBC of electoral fraud and said that demonstrations will continue until the officials are removed.

On September 1, the Supreme Court released its final decision invalidating President Uhuru Kenyatta’s August 8 re-election due to irregularities in vote counting. Much of the blame for the irregularities had been placed on the IEBC, prompting renewed protests in Nairobi.

The current controversy started when Odinga announced that he would challenge the results of the August 8 presidential election - in which sitting President Kenyatta won with 54 percent of the vote - amid claims that the electronic tally system had been rigged. Violent protests broke out after the election in opposition strongholds on August 9; at least 24 people were killed in post-election violence between August 9 and August 14.

Advice

Individuals in Kenya are advised to avoid all public gatherings (particularly political events) due to the risk of violence and to monitor the situation. Be prepared to shelter in place in the event the security situation in the country deteriorates (stock up on food, water, and other necessities). Additionally, those undertaking long-distance travel within the country are advised to consider traveling via plane (rather than by road) to minimize exposure to security threats.