Kenya: Opposition coalition protests ongoing nationwide, May 2 /update 1

Event

Kenyan political opposition party, the Azimio la Umajo-One Kenya Coalition, is currently protesting in urban areas nationwide on May 2. In Nairobi, the planned protest consists of a march through Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) to present petitions at the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) offices, the National Treasury, and the Office of the President. Other spontaneous protests have erupted across Nairobi and in other urban areas, including in Kisumu and Homa Bay. Heavy police presence has been reported in Nairobi's CBD early May 2. Authorities have banned all protests by the Azmio coalition, citing security concerns.

Security personnel will almost certainly deploy to affected areas and could attempt to disperse the gatherings and remove potential roadblocks. Clashes between demonstrators and police, as well as rival groups of activists, cannot be ruled out. Transport and business disruptions are likely in areas near the gatherings.

Context

This is the second protest within a week following a gathering at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) on April 28 to greet party leader Raida Odinga upon his return from traveling to the UAE.

Protests have occurred regularly in Kenya since March, despite authorities imposing an indefinite, nationwide ban on all Azimio protests on March 26. The directive was issued after Odinga called for indefinite nationwide protests every Monday and Thursday from March 27, which were temporarily halted in April. Protests and clashes took place on March 27 and March 30 in several areas, including in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Homa Bay counties. Some individuals reportedly engaged in acts of vandalism and looting amid the protests; notably, the offices of Ruto's United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party were set ablaze in the town of Siaya.

For their part, police fired tear gas to disperse crowds in multiple areas. Kenya Railways authorities also suspended commuter train services in Nairobi March 30, including on the Syokimau, Ruiru, Embakasi, Kahawa West, and Kikuyu routes. Following the protests, reports suggested that at least three protestors were killed and 400 injured, including 60 police officers.

Azimio initially called for mass demonstrations in response to the government's failure to address the party's concerns in accordance with a 14-day ultimatum issued Feb. 22. As part of the ultimatum, activists demanded Ruto's resignation and that authorities work to lower the cost of living, among other concessions.

Advice

Avoid all protests and large gatherings as a standard security precaution. Do not drive through roadblocks. Heed the instructions of local authorities. Allow extra time to reach destinations near locations where demonstration activity is taking place. If violence occurs nearby, leave the area immediately and seek shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building.