American citizens in Kenya were however given an alternative to reach out to the embassy.
The United States (US) Embassy in Nairobi has announced that its consular office will be closed on Thursday, August 8.
In a statement, the embassy revealed that the offices will be closed for routine services. American citizens in Kenya were however given an alternative to reach out to the embassy.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the Consular Section will be closed on August 8 for routine services. American citizens should contact [email protected] in case of emergency,” the statement on Wednesday, August 7 read in part.
Meanwhile, the embassy has issued a safety advisory for its citizens staying in Kenya ahead of Thursday’s protests in various towns dubbed ‘Nane Nane’, noting that even protests that seem peaceful can turn violent at any moment.
US Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman. /FILE
The embassy observed the law enforcement’s use of water cannons, tear gas, and in some cases live ammunition in response to past protests, further noting that “The embassy has received reports of opportunistic crimes committed on the periphery of protests, including robberies, assaults, and rocks thrown through vehicle windows.”
Following this, law enforcement has increased security checkpoints on roads, which have however been blocked by crowds with debris. Traffic disruptions can therefore be expected.
The embassy thus advised its citizens to avoid protest areas and crowds. Americans in the country have been encouraged to monitor local media for any updates on the protests and keep a low profile.
Citizens were also instructed to keep doors locked and windows rolled up while in a vehicle and to “Carry a copy of your U.S. passport with current Kenyan visa.”
Additionally, they were urged to notify friends and family of their whereabouts and safety and to be “aware of your surroundings and review your personal security plans.”
The protests started on June 18 to decry high taxation and rejection of the proposed 2024/25 Finance Bill. Since then youth have shown up in the streets almost weekly to protest bad governance and corruption.
As of July 25, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNHCR) reported that up to 60 people had lost their lives from the protests while 66 were missing. The numbers are however suspected to be much higher.
The ‘Nane Nane’ protests slated for August 8 represent the sternest test for security agencies who promised heightened security nationwide though not to an extent that is out of the ordinary.
“Every Kenyan as per the law has liberty to demonstrate, picket and assemble as per the law. That one everyone is very much aware of and where the privilege of one ends is where the other starts,” said acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli, who reiterated that Kenyans are at liberty to demonstrate but peacefully and they have to live by the rule of law.
“We are government by the Rome statute and the Kenyan Constitution,” he added and affirmed that criminal elements will be dealt with firmly.
Anti-riot police officers at Nairobi CBD during past anti-government protests. /FILE
