The United States Embassy in Kenya has issued a safety advisory to American citizens ahead of the planned demonstration in several cities across the country.
In a statement on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, the US ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman advised US citizens to avoid central business districts and major thoroughfares adding that even protests that seem peaceful can turn violent at any moment.
“U.S. Embassy Nairobi demonstration alert for U.S. Citizens July 15, 2024, Location: Multiple cities in Kenya,” the statement reads in part.
“Calls for protests on Tuesdays and Thursdays continue, in particular for demonstrations in central business districts across the country and road blockages of major thoroughfares. Even protests that seem peaceful can turn violent at any moment. Police checkpoints and traffic disruptions are expected.”
Action to take
Whitman further urged American citizens to monitor local media for road conditions, avoid crowds, and keep vehicle doors and windows locked.
She also recommends informing friends and family of their whereabouts, reviewing personal security plans, and carrying a copy of your US passport and current Kenyan visa.
“Monitor local media for highway and road conditions before traveling, avoid crowds and keep doors locked and windows rolled up while in a vehicle,” she added.
“Notify friends and family of your whereabouts and safety, review your personal security plans and carry a copy of your U.S. passport with current Kenyan visa.”
Planned demos
The anti-government protests are set to take place on Tuesday and Thursday across all counties in the country. The protests come after a series of notable victories from the previous protests.
President William Ruto, refraining from making into law the controversial Finance Bill 2024 and dissolving of the cabinet are among the issues Gen Zs demanded during the previous protests.
Despite these concessions from the government, the youths remain unsatisfied. In this week’s fresh demos, the protesters are demanding accountability of the leaders in the Kenya Kwanza administration, fighting corruption and finding solutions to the country’s economic crisis.