U.S issues security alert to citizens living in Kisumu ahead of Supreme Court ruling

The United States has issued a security alert to its citizens living in Kisumu in anticipation of next week’s Supreme Court ruling on the presidential election petition.

The US, through its embassy in Kenya, cited previous instances of post-election violence in the region as the reason for the decision.

The embassy, while imposing a movement restriction on its personnel in the lakeside city, urged them to remain vigilant.

"The Kenyan Supreme Court is scheduled to announce a ruling on the presidential results on September 5, 2022.  Kenya has periodically experienced some post-electoral violence during election cycles," the embassy said in a statement on Thursday.

If history is anything to go by, the US noted, strikes and protests may be witnessed in some parts of Kenya which can endanger lives.

"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," said the US embassy.

"Out of an abundance of caution, the U.S. Embassy has imposed movement restrictions on U.S. government personnel in Kisumu."

Despite issuing the travel advisory, the US insisted that it was not privy to the verdict that the Supreme Court will announce next week, as such its suggestions should not be misinterpreted to mean that the apex court will rule in favour of or against any particular party.

"The United States has no specific information to suggest the Supreme Court’s decision will adversely affect the security situation in Kisumu, or in any other parts of Kenya.  Kisumu hosts a significant number of U.S. Embassy personnel and is a frequent travel destination for U.S. citizens," noted the Embassy.

"Out of an abundance of caution and in the interest of transparency, the Security Alert ensures that all U.S. citizens in Kenya receive the same information."

US citizens have since been asked to maintain a low profile, avoid crowds and demonstrations, carry their identification and travel documents at all times and to constantly monitor local media for updates on any insecurity cases in Kisumu.