Prior to the Supreme Court decision slated for September 5, 2022, the US Embassy in Nairobi has advised American people avoid visiting Kisumu.
As post-election violence has occasionally occurred in Kenya during election cycles, the Embassy warned its staff members in Lakeside city to be more cautious in the alert released on Thursday, September 1.
The Embassy stated that although the warning shouldn’t worry the general public, they advised their staff to exercise extra caution.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the U.S. Embassy has imposed movement restrictions on U.S. government personnel in Kisumu. The State Department reminds U.S. citizens of the continued need for sustained vigilance,” the advisory stated.
The Embassy pointed out that the warning was based on a history of demonstrations that would start in Kisumu following an election time.
“Election-related demonstrations and rallies regularly take place after elections, at times blocking key intersections and causing traffic jams,” the advisory read in part.
“Demonstrations may occasionally be violent, requiring police intervention. Strikes and other protest activities related to economic conditions occur regularly.”
The caution, according to the Embassy, was based on a history of demonstrations that have occurred in Kisumu after election seasons.
“Election-related demonstrations and rallies regularly take place after elections, at times blocking key intersections and causing traffic jams,” the advisory read in part.
“Demonstrations may occasionally be violent, requiring police intervention. Strikes and other protest activities related to economic conditions occur regularly.”
