The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi has issued a security alert for American citizens in Kenya ahead of planned protests on Tuesday. Kenyans are preparing to occupy streets nationwide to demand justice for those killed during the anti-Finance Bill 2024 demonstrations.
Protests are anticipated in major towns across the country. In a statement, the Embassy urged American citizens in Nairobi to exercise caution in their daily activities.
“Calls for protests on Tuesdays and Thursdays continue, particularly in central business districts and along major thoroughfares,” the statement noted. The Embassy cautioned that while the protests are intended to be peaceful, they could escalate into violence at any time.
U.S. citizens are advised to expect police checkpoints and traffic disruptions, and to monitor local media for updates on road conditions. They are encouraged to avoid large crowds, keep vehicle doors locked and windows rolled up, and inform friends and family of their whereabouts.
Additionally, the Embassy recommends reviewing personal security plans and carrying copies of U.S. passports along with current Kenyan visas.
Activist Boniface Mwangi confirmed that the protests will proceed as planned until the government takes responsibility for the deaths of the protesters. “Let’s not think we have won anything yet because we don’t have anything tangible to celebrate,” Mwangi remarked, calling for the President to apologize to the families of the deceased.
The government has acknowledged at least 25 fatalities during the protests, while the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) estimates the death toll at 41, with 360 injuries reported.
The first day of the Gen Z protests was June 18, 2024. President William Ruto has since announced sweeping measures to implement stringent austerity reforms, affecting the operation of 47 state corporations. He stated that parastatals with overlapping mandates will be dissolved immediately. On Thursday, Ruto dismissed his entire cabinet except for Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, citing a response to the concerns of Kenyans.
