US Embassy issues another travel advisory on Kisumu
United States Embassy in Nairobi has cautioned its citizens against travelling to Kisumu ahead of the Supreme Court ruling scheduled for September 5, 2022.
In the advisory issued today, the Embassy stated that Kenya has periodically experienced some post-electoral violence during election cycles, cautioning their staff members in Lakeside city to be more vigilant.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the U.S. Embassy has imposed movement restrictions on U.S. government personnel in Kisumu. The State Department reminds U.S. citizens of the continued need for sustained vigilance,” the advisory stated.
According to the Embassy, the advisory should not alarm members of the public but they urged their personnel to be extra careful.
They noted that the advisory was informed by a previous pattern of protests that would break out in Kisumu after the election period.
“Election-related demonstrations and rallies regularly take place after elections, at times blocking key intersections and causing traffic jams. Demonstrations may occasionally be violent, requiring police intervention. Strikes and other protest activities related to economic conditions occur regularly,” the advisory read in part.
Early last month, the embassy issued another travel advisory to the lakeside region during the electioneering period.
Through a statement, the US Embassy imposed movement restrictions and further cautioned its citizens to only visit the city if and when necessary.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the Embassy has imposed movement restrictions on personnel in Kisumu. The State Department reminds US citizens of the continued need for sustained vigilance,” the security alert read in part.
To ensure US citizens are protected ahead of the August 9 General Election, the Embassy advised them to monitor local media for updates, avoid crowds, avoid demonstrations and be vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
After the advisory, the Embassy was criticised by Kenyans.
However, the Embassy issued a statement where it clarified and assured Kenyans that it did not have any knowledge of planned violent attacks as was highly speculated on various media platforms.
