April 12, 2017
UK and US issues travel warning for nationals in Kenya
The British government has advised its nationals in Kenya to avoid large gatherings during the electioneering period, in a travel warning updated on Wednesday.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advised British citizens living in Kenya to be vigilant as aspirants compete for slots during party nominations.
“Rallies and protests may take place during primaries and in the lead up to, during and after elections.
“You should take care in public places where people gather, and exercise a heightened level of vigilance,” the FCO said in a statement on Wednesday.
The United Kingdom has previously advised its nationals against all but essential travel to north eastern counties of Garissa, Wajir and Mandera as well as Eastleigh in Nairobi
POTENTIAL VIOLENCE
The new advice does not list any new specific areas to be avoided by the British but generally warns of potential for violence as political aspirants on various seats seek to eliminate each other in party primaries.
Most political parties are scheduled to hold their nominations from between 13th and 26th of this month, ahead of the deadline by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to submit names of candidates by end of May.
In the past, primaries have been rocked with violence as goons disrupt or protest perceived irregularities.
In 2007 and 2013, chaos erupted in most strongholds for parties.
US WARNING
Last week, the US State Department warned Americans in Kenya to avoid political gatherings saying they are potential violent hotspots or targets of terror groups.
“You should avoid areas of gatherings, protests and demonstrations, and exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of any such events,” the Department said in a notice published on April 7.
“Rallies, demonstrations, and protests may occur with little notice and even those intended to be peaceful can escalate into violence. As with all large events, there is also the opportunity for criminal elements or terrorists to target participants and visitors,” it said.
The US notice expires/to be reviewed three weeks after the General Election in August 2017.
Source: UK issues travel warning for nationals in Kenya
UK and US issues travel warning for nationals in Kenya
The British government has advised its nationals in Kenya to avoid large gatherings during the electioneering period, in a travel warning updated on Wednesday.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advised British citizens living in Kenya to be vigilant as aspirants compete for slots during party nominations.
“Rallies and protests may take place during primaries and in the lead up to, during and after elections.
“You should take care in public places where people gather, and exercise a heightened level of vigilance,” the FCO said in a statement on Wednesday.
The United Kingdom has previously advised its nationals against all but essential travel to north eastern counties of Garissa, Wajir and Mandera as well as Eastleigh in Nairobi
POTENTIAL VIOLENCE
The new advice does not list any new specific areas to be avoided by the British but generally warns of potential for violence as political aspirants on various seats seek to eliminate each other in party primaries.
Most political parties are scheduled to hold their nominations from between 13th and 26th of this month, ahead of the deadline by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission to submit names of candidates by end of May.
In the past, primaries have been rocked with violence as goons disrupt or protest perceived irregularities.
In 2007 and 2013, chaos erupted in most strongholds for parties.
US WARNING
Last week, the US State Department warned Americans in Kenya to avoid political gatherings saying they are potential violent hotspots or targets of terror groups.
“You should avoid areas of gatherings, protests and demonstrations, and exercise caution if unexpectedly in the vicinity of any such events,” the Department said in a notice published on April 7.
“Rallies, demonstrations, and protests may occur with little notice and even those intended to be peaceful can escalate into violence. As with all large events, there is also the opportunity for criminal elements or terrorists to target participants and visitors,” it said.
The US notice expires/to be reviewed three weeks after the General Election in August 2017.
Source: UK issues travel warning for nationals in Kenya
