The Kenya High Commission in London and Permanent Mission to the International Maritime Organization has issued an alert regarding the volatile social unrest in the United Kingdom (UK).
In an alert on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, the High Commission said that it was closely monitoring the series of social unrest developing from protests happening in a number of cities across the UK.
According to the Commission, the series of protests are primarily driven by far right and anti-immigrant groups and have led to violence flaring up across various UK towns and cities.
The Commission further advised Kenyans living in both the UK and Northern Ireland to remain vigilant of their movement and follow guidance.
“Kenya High Commission in London, United Kingdom is closely monitoring the series of protests happening in the United Kingdom, primarily driven by far right and anti-immigrant groups. The violence has flared up across various towns and cities in the United Kingdom,” the alert states.
“Kenyans residing in or travelling to the United Kingdom are urged to stay away from the protest areas and should remain vigilant.”
Additionally, Kenyans in the UK who have not registered with the Kenya High Commision -United Kingdom were strongly encouraged to register with the Commission via the Mission’s website through the attached links.
Kenya High Commission Registration
Kenyans were requested to do the registration immediately to ensure they receive timely information and assistance.
For citizen registration: https://www.kenyahighcom.org.uk/citizen- registration.
For students’ registration: https://www.kenyahighcom.org.uk/student- registration.
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On the other hand, Kenyans were advised to look out for the updates from the UK Government and their local authorities.
“For emergencies, please contact the High Commission through email [email protected]/[email protected] or tel +4420 7636 2371,” noted the Commission.
UK Unrest
The alert by the High Commission comes after a wave of violent unrest and disorder across parts of the UK continued on Monday night.
Police in various cities within the UK such as Belfast, Darlington and Plymouth came under attack.
On the other hand, six people were arrested in Plymouth while several officers suffered minor injuries in the violence according to the Police.
Riot officers in South Belfast had stones and petrol bombs thrown at them in an area close to a supermarket which was set on fire at the weekend.
According to BBC, nearly 400 people have been arrested since the rioting began.
Also Read: Kenyans in UK Cautioned as Protests Intensify
The unrest in the UK was sparked by a mass stabbing incident in Southport last week that resulted to the deaths of four victims, Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Dasilva Aguiar.
Suspect Arrested
Following a launch of investigations after the stabbing attack which happened at a Taylor Swift-themed holiday club, Axel Muganwa Rudakubana, from Banks in Lancashire, was arrested.
The suspect has been charged with three counts of murder, 10 attempted murders and possession of a curved kitchen knife.
Born to Rwandan parents in Cardiff, the 17-year-old moved to the Southport area in 2013.
Police believe the riots and unrest in towns and cities across the UK were fueled by false rumors that the suspect was a Muslim asylum seeker.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer over the weekend condemned the riots as “far-right thuggery” and on Monday he vowed to “ramp up” the law to deal with the violence.
On the other hand, Merseyside Police confirmed that one child caught up in the incident remained in hospital, but all other patients had been discharged.
The security alert from the Kenya High Commission comes days after Kenyans in various UK cities were called upon to exercise caution as they go about their day-to-day business.
Foreign affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei in a statement on Sunday, August 4, expressed his concern for the ongoing anti-immigrants’ protests in various parts of the country.
Moreover, he stated that the situation is worrying as the protests intensify leading to several injuries that have been reported.
“A deeply worrying situation in the UK. Kenyans are urged to exercise caution,” he stated.
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