USA warns of chaos during party primaries
The United States Embassy in Nairobi has issued a fresh security advisory to its citizens based in Kenya.
The Embassy, in correspondence, has urged its citizens to ensure they remain safe ahead of the political season in Kenya leading to the August 9 general elections.
The US further explained there was a possibility Kenyans will demonstrate in protest over the results of the party primaries.
“Carry proper identification, including a US passport with a current Kenyan Visa,” the US Embassy told its citizens who live in the country.
The Embassy said election-related demonstrations are likely to take place and will lead to huge traffic snarl-ups in the affected areas.
It said that violence associated with demonstrations will take place which ranges from rock-throwing to police officers using extra force when dealing with the demonstrators.
In a list of precautionary measures that its citizens should use, the Embassy asked its citizens not to show any signs of being wealthy like wearing expensive watches and jewelry.
It asked its citizens to keep a low profile and always be very observant especially when they are making visits to banks.
In addition, it asked its citizens to closely follow news updates in order to know how they will operate during the period.
“You should also avoid crowds, avoid demonstrations, be aware of the surroundings, review their personal security plans, and have your travel documents so as you are easily accessible,” the Embassy said.
Already, a cold war is building in various parts of the country following a decision by political parties to hand direct tickets to some of the aspirants.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) early this month announced that plans were underway to ensure a total of 250,000 police officers are trained on how to manage elections.
The party primaries are set to commence on Thursday.