This Thursday, as many Kenyan youths make plans to take part in Nane Nane protests across the country, including the capital city of Nairobi, security concerns are casting a shadow on the demonstrations.
The United States on Tuesday issued an advisory warning U.S. citizens in the country to exercise increased caution due to “reports of opportunistic crimes committed on the periphery of protests, including robberies, assaults, and rocks thrown through vehicle windows.”
The alert by the U.S. Embassy in Kenya comes two days before the planned Nane Nane protests and as police officials have warned about violent protests.
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“Protests are expected to occur in Kenya on August 8,” the Demonstration Alert for U.S. citizens warns. “Even protests that seem peaceful can turn violent at any moment. Law enforcement has used water cannons, tear gas, and in some cases live ammunition in response to past protests.”
The advisory urged travellers to the city to “avoid protest areas and demonstrations,” “keep a low profile,” “avoid crowds” and “monitor local media for updates.”
Nane Nane protests are planned from morning to evening of August 8, this 8th month (why it is called ‘Nane Nane’), largely in Nairobi, which is why it could disrupt travelling to and from the city, the advisory says.
The uprising this month is the latest eruption of public anger at the President William Ruto administration and, more broadly, the Government of Kenya over economic malaise and rampant corruption.
The majority of protestors, who are the youthful Gen Zs, are accusing most government officials of embezzling public funds without mentioning them passing unfavourable tax laws.
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