KISUMU, Kenya, Sept, 1 – The US Embassy in Kenya has issued a movement restriction directive to its citizens domiciled in the lakeside city of Kisumu.
In a statement, the Embassy said the advisory comes in the wake of the much anticipated Supreme Court ruling on the presidential results.
The apex court will pronounce itself on the matter, making its final ruling on September 5, 2022.
The advisory said 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,” read a section of the statement.
The State Department has urged US citizens to remain vigilant urging them to, monitor local media for updates, and avoid crowds, and demonstrations while Keeping a low profile.
“Be aware of your surroundings,be vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs, do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive jewelry or watches and review your personal security plans,”
They were also advised to carry their travel documents and identification, including a copy of their bio-page of the U.S. passport as well as a copy of their current Kenyan visa.
US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman made her debut visit to Kisumu county on Tuesday after taking over the mantle of top diplomat representing her country.
Whitman met with Kisumu governor professor Anyang Nyong’o and members of his county government.
“Congratulations on your re-election and thank you for making time to meet with me on my first visit to Kisumu! Kisumu is a beautiful city and host to numerous U.S. investments, American businesses, U.S. citizens & embassy programs,” she said.
As part of her visit she also visited U.S. Embassy staff leading critical U.S programs and investments.
Her tour of Kisumu comes in the wake of a controversial advisory released by the embassy warning her citizens from traveling tithe county days before the elections.
“Alerts of this nature to American citizens are common ahead of elections throughout the world, and the United States has no information to suggest the security situation in Kisumu, or in any other parts of Kenya, have been adversely affected by election preparations,” read a section of the security alert.
Area leaders and residents at the time expressed their displeasure at the statement saying that the county remains peaceful despite the ‘warnings from the US Embassy.
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