US Embassy issues security alert ahead of Tuesday protests

The US Embassy in Nairobi has issued a security alert to American citizens in the country ahead of the planned Tuesday protests.

Kenyans have vowed to occupy streets in the country to demand for justice for those who were killed during the anti-Finance Bill, 2024 protests.

The protests are expected to occur in major towns across the country.

In a statement, the US Embassy asked American citizens in Nairobi to exercise caution as they go about their businesses.

“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,” a statement on the US Embassy read.

According to the embassy, the peaceful protests can turn violent at any moment.

They added that US citizens in the country should expect police checkpoints and traffic disruptions.

The US Embassy asked American citizens to monitor local media for highway and road conditions before travelling.

They have also been urged to avoid crowds, keep doors locked and windows rolled up while in a vehicle and notify friends and family of their whereabouts and safety.

The embassy further wants them to review their personal security plans and carry a copies of their US passports with their current Kenyan visa.

Activist Boniface Mwangi Monday evening confirmed that the peaceful protests will go down as planned until the government takes some form of responsibility for the deceased protesters.

“So let’s not think we have won anything yet because we don’t have anything tangible we can say we have won. Why can’t the President call the families of those who died and apologise because he hasn’t done any of that,” Mwangi said.

The government has acknowledged that at least 25 protesters died during the protests although the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) put the death toll at 41 and 360 injuries.

The first day of Gen Z protests was June 18, 2024.

President William Ruto has since announced radical measures to enforce tough austerity measures in government.

The measures claimed the existence of 47 state corporations.

Ruto said the parastatals with overlapping mandates will cease to exist immediately.

On Thursday, Ruto fired his entire cabinet save for the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

Ruto said the decision was reached after listening to what Kenyans wanted.

BY  PERPETUA ETYANG