The US Embassy in Kenya has issued an advisory to its citizens in the country ahead of the Thursday, August 8, protests dubbed Nane Nane.
In a statement on August 6, the Embassy noted that protests that may seem peaceful can turn violent at any moment.
The US citizens have also been warned that police officers have in the past used tear gas and water cannons and therefore turning the protests dangerous.
“Protests are expected to occur in Kenya on August 8. Even protests that seem peaceful can turn violent at any moment. Law enforcement has used water cannons, tear gas, and in some cases live ammunition in response to past protests,” the Embassy said in a statement.
The embassy noted that it has received reports of opportunistic crimes committed on the periphery of protests, including robberies, assaults, and rocks pelted at vehicles.
US Embassy Issues Advisory
Additionally, the Embassy stated that law enforcement officers have increased security checkpoints on roads and some roads blocked by crowds.
In addition to the advisory, the US Embassy notified its citizens that the Consular Section will be closed on August 8 for routine services out of an abundance of caution.
The American citizens have been urged to contact kenya_acs@state.gov in case of emergency.
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Americans in Kenya have also been advised to avoid protest areas and demonstrations, avoid crowds, and monitor local media for updates on highway and road conditions before planning any travels in the country.
At the same time, US Citizens in Kenya have been warned to keep a low profile, keep doors locked and windows rolled up while in a vehicle and be aware of their surroundings.
Further, the alert has advised the Americans to notify friends and family of their whereabouts and safety and review their personal security plans.
“Carry a copy of your U.S. passport with current Kenyan visa,” the statement further read.
Also Read: Nane Nane Protests: Kenyans in UK Announce March to Embassy
Nane Nane March
The advisory came ahead of planned Gen Z protests on Thursday, August 8, announced after President William Ruto formed a broad-based government, which seemed to have stirred up anger among Kenyan youth.
The Gen Z protesters are pushing for reforms, seeking to hold the government accountable and demanding the resignation of the current regime.
The August 8 march, dubbed ‘Nane Nane,’ draws inspiration from the monumental ‘Saba Saba’ protests of the 1990s.
What began as anti-Finance Bill protests on June 18, following the bill’s public release, led to widespread online activism by Gen Z on TikTok and X. This activism ultimately resulted in the withdrawal of the bill and the sacking of the entire cabinet.
Meanwhile, acting Inspector General (IG) Gilbert Masengeli stated on August 6 that Kenyans are at liberty to demonstrate but must do so peacefully. He reiterated that all Kenyans must adhere to the rule of law.
“We are governed by the Rome statute and the Kenyan Constitution,” he said, and affirmed that criminal elements will be dealt with firmly.
“On Gen Zs, they have a message, and they have been heard. It is upon us now to differentiate between Gen Zs and opportunists who take advantage of those riots to cause mayhem, destruction of property and acts of violence that are not allowed by the Law,” the acting IG added.
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