Kenya: Protests held in Nairobi and Kisumu Oct. 9 /update 21

Event

On Monday, October 9, police used tear gas and shot live ammunition in the air to disperse a demonstration held by opposition protesters in the capital Nairobi. This protest came amid a National Super Alliance (NASA) call for protests to be held every Monday and Friday to pressure the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to dismiss officials who the opposition holds responsible for the mismanagement of the August 8 election. Police also dispersed demonstrations held in Kisumu. Traffic disruptions and increased security measures are likely in these cities in the coming weeks.

Context

Opposition leader Raila Odinga and other NASA leaders are calling for the resignation of members of the IEBC, which Odinga has accused of electoral fraud. On September 25, Odinga said that protests would continue until the election 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.

Odinga has threatened to not participate in the re-run unless “legal and constitutional guarantees are met” (e.g., the removal of IEBC officials accused of electoral fraud). Furthermore, French company OT Morpho, the IEBC’s supplier of electronic equipment (and accused of colluding with the IEBC) had previously warned that the system used for the elections will not be ready in time for the re-run, initially planned for October 17 and now postponed to October 26. 

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.