21 Sep 2017 | 03:57 PM UTC
Kenya: Unrest possible Sep. 20 ahead of Supreme Court announcement /update 15
Possible demonstrations and associated travel disruptions due to expected Supreme Court election announcement Sep. 20; avoid vicinity of Supreme Court
Event
The release of the Supreme Court’s full, detailed decision to nullify the August 8 presidential election is expected to occur on Wednesday, September 20. This follows the initial announcement of their decision on September 1. The situation could potentially provoke unrest and associated transportation disruptions. Heightened security measures have been put in place in the capital Nairobi, with roads near the Supreme Court barricaded in anticipation of unrest. Anti-riot police have reportedly been positioned along City Hall Way, Taifa Road, and areas of Wabera Street. Supporters of the opposition Nasa coalition have reportedly gathered in the vicinity to show support for the court decision.
Context
The judgement will provide detailed information pertaining to the irregularities and illegalities found to be present in the August 8 presidential election. Tensions have been high in the country following the nullification of the results. On September 19, following a series of allegations against members of the judiciary, supporters of the Jubilee Party took to the streets of the capital to denounce the nullification of the election results. Unrest was reported in the Central Busines District (CBD) and the neighborhoods of Gitaru, Naivasha, Nakuru, Eldoret, and Nyeri. Protesters were reported to have blocked roads using burning tires and rocks.
Further complicating an already tense political situation, OT Morpho, the French company that supplied the electronic equipment to the Kenyan Electoral Commission (IEBC), has announced that the system used for the elections will not be ready in time for the planned October 17 re-run.
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.
