Kenyans remain peaceful after Supreme Court ruling despite US advisory
Kenyans remained relatively peaceful after the Supreme Court rendered its judgement in the presidential petition challenging President-elect William Ruto’s win.
This as Ruto’s supporters hit the streets in celebrations on Monday moments after his win in the August 9, 2022 polls was upheld.
The celebrations were mainly spotted in Central Kenya and the Rift Valley, areas considered Ruto and his running mate Rigathi Gachagua’s strong base, alongside pockets of Kisii and at the coast.
This was the second celebration of this kind inside three weeks.
Celebrations were also witnessed when Ruto was handed the victory certificate by Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati.
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In contrast, it was business as usual in most areas in Nairobi, Mombasa, Western Kenya and Kisumu, areas considered Raila Odinga’s stronghold with residents remaining calm.
In some cases Kenyans closed their business and avoiding the major cities altogether on judgement day.
The relative ease come comes days after the US Embassy in Kenya issued an advisory notice to its citizens in the country, warning them of potential violence in Kisumu in reaction to the court’s verdict.
Specifically, the US asked its personnel to avoid unnecessary movements in Kisumu.
“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. Out of an abundance of caution, the US Embassy has imposed movement restrictions on US government personnel in Kisumu.
The State Department reminds U.S. citizens of the continued need for sustained vigilance,” US said in its statement.
Other European nations had also alerted its personnel in the country of the security situation.
Contrary to the notice, there was no single incident of violence reported in Kisumu and other parts of the country on Monday.
The National Police Service had also deployed officers to different parts of the country to maintain peace.
Raila Odinga, who came second to Ruto in the presidential election and challenged Ruto’s win at the Supreme Court, has announced he respects the judgement.
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