30 Jan 2018 | 09:50 AM UTC
Kenya: Opposition leader swearing-in ceremony in Nairobi Jan. 30 /update 1
National Super Alliance (NASA) opposition coalition to swear in Raila Odinga as “People’s President” in Nairobi Jan. 30
Event
Several hundred supporters of National Super Alliance (NASA) opposition leader Raila Odinga gathered on Tuesday morning, January 30, at Uhuru Park in Nairobi, to swear in the leader as the “People’s President.” Though the police had said they would prohibit any illegal assemblies, no uniformed police, anti-riot officers, or police vehicles were reported at the park as of Tuesday morning (local time). Local radio station Capital FM reported that supporters had been granted permission by Kenyan authorities to use the park. The ceremony is expected to end at approximately 13:00 (local time). Simultaneously, private television and radio stations announced that government authorities forced them off the air across the country in an effort to block coverage of the ceremony. Large crowds and significant traffic disruptions are expected around the vicinity of the event. Clashes between security forces and NASA supporters are likely.
Context
Kenya experienced several months of political crisis surrounding the 2017 presidential elections. Incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta was initially declared the victor of the August 8 election, garnering 54 percent of the vote. However, in early September, the Supreme Court officially invalidated the vote due to "irregularities." A re-run election was held in October, but was boycotted by Odinga, who claimed the vote would not be fair. President Kenyatta won re-election with 98 percent of the vote, but with only 39 percent voter turnout. These months of political instability in Kenya were accompanied by violent protests, by both government and opposition supporters.
Most recently, NASA leaders released what they claim to be authentic election results on January 26 that show Odinga won the original August presidential election over Kenyatta. The government has rejected NASA’s claims concerning the election’s outcome.
Advice
Individuals in Kenya, particularly in Nairobi, are advised to avoid all public gatherings (particularly political events) due to the risk of violence and to monitor the situation.
