Kisumu Governor Nyong'o Protests Security Alert by US Embassy

Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o has protested the travel advisory issued by the United States Embassy in Kenya ahead of the Supreme Court ruling on the presidential petition.

The embassy, in an alert dated September 1st, warned its citizens of possible violence in the country after the apex court’s ruling scheduled for Monday. It reminded US citizens of the continued need for “sustained vigilance”, stating that Kenya has periodically experienced some post-electoral violence during election cycles.

“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,” reads the alert.

The embassy singled out Kisumu, saying it has imposed movement restrictions on US government personnel in the lakeside city out of an “abundance of caution.”

But in a statement on Friday, Governor Nyong’o stated that they do not expect any form of violence irrespective of the outcome of the Supreme Court on the petition challenging the results of the August 9th presidential election.

“As much as we acknowledge the Country’s concern on the safety of its citizens, we take exceptional concern at the tone of the memo which singles out Kisumu and suggests that the City could witness violence after the 5th September Supreme court ruling on the Presidential election petition,” reads the statement.

Nyong’o insisted that Kisumu is a multiracial and multi-ethnic peaceful community that cares deeply for each other’s welfare, including “our American sisters and brothers.”

“The County leadership urge the people of Kisumu, especially the youth, to remain peaceful as has been the case in the past few years,” he added.

In its advisory, the embassy urged American nationals to monitor local media for updates, avoid crowds, avoid demonstrations, keep a low profile, be aware of their surroundings, be vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs, and not display signs of wealth such as wearing expensive jewelry or watches.

They are also advised to review their personal security plans, have travel documents up to date and easily accessible, and carry proper identification including a copy of the bio-page of their U.S. passport with a copy of a current Kenyan visa.

During her visit to Kisumu on Tuesday, US Ambassador to Kenya Margret Whitman defended an earlier travel advisory against the lakeside city, saying it was in the best interest of the US and its investments.

“What we do is to look into the safety and security of Embassy personnel as well as US citizens in any country where the US operates,” Whitman said.