US Embassy in Nairobi Issues a Security Alert Over Opposition Protests

The United States Embassy in Nairobi has issued a security alert to American citizens in Kenya over the ongoing demonstrations by the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party.

In the alert dated March 28th, the embassy urged Americans to be vigilant and avoid protest areas on Mondays and Thursdays for an indefinite period.

They were urged to monitor local media for updates, avoid crowds, keep a low profile, notify friends and family of their safety, and be aware of their surroundings.

The embassy further called on Americans in the country to review their personal security plans, stay alert in locations frequented by tourists/foreigners, have travel documents up to date and easily accessible, carry proper Identification, including a US passport with a current Kenyan visa, and have evacuation plans that do not rely on US government assistance.

The warning comes amid rising tensions in Kenya, with the opposition coalition insisting it will not back down on its bi-weekly anti-government protests.

The opposition, led by Raila Odinga, is demanding the government addresses the high cost of living, stop the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), and open IEBC servers for verification of who won the 2022 election, among other demands.

On Tuesday, the Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the US Department of State Vedant Patel regretted the loss of life and urged opposition leaders and protestors to refrain from violence and rhetoric that could incite violence. He also urged government security forces to act with restraint.

Patel noted that the rights to freedom of expression and association, and the right of peaceful assembly, are core tenets of democracy.

“Countries that protect these fundamental freedoms and support an open, inclusive, and empowered civil society are more stable and prosperous. Kenya benefits from having an active and vibrant civil society,” Patel said.