• Saturday, 29 June 2024
Russia, India, and USA issue travel alerts for their citizens in Kenya

Russia, India, and USA issue travel alerts for their citizens in Kenya

Five nations issued travel advisories to their citizens in Kenya amid the anti-Finance Bill protests. 

In an unprecedented move, Kenyan youth stormed Parliament premises while demanding the government to recall the Finance Bill 2024, citing over-taxation and unaccountability by the current regime. 

This led to running battles with the police who retaliated by firing live bullets at the crowds. According to Amnesty International, over 13 Kenyans were shot with live bullets on Tuesday and scores nursing injuries in hospitals across the country. 

The United States embassy warned its citizens to avoid large gatherings and maintain a low profile while in Kenya. They were also advised to monitor local media for updates and carry proper identification including a copy of their US passport and current Kenyan visa. 

 

"However, large public gatherings can turn violent at any moment and spread to multiple sections of a city.  It is recommended to remain vigilant and to avoid large gatherings. Traffic disruptions are expected."

On its part, the United Kingdom advised its citizens to exercise caution when travelling to specific areas such as Mandera, Lamu, Tana River, and Manda Island. 

Citizens could access areas such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Kwale, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu, Kakamega but upon the discretion and guidance of the UK embassy. 

 

The Australian government also issued an alert, warning its citizens to avoid areas prone to attack and remain vigilant when visiting public places. 

"We continue to advise exercise a high degree of caution in Kenya due to the threat of terrorism and violent crime. Higher levels apply in some areas. Terrorists continue to maintain a strong interest in attacking foreigners in Nairobi and other major population centres in Kenya. Attacks could occur at any time, with little or no warning," the statement read in part. 

The Russian Embassy in Kenya also called on its citizens to avoid visiting crowded places in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Kakamega, Eldoret, Nakuru, Nanyuki, Nyeri, Kisii, Kilifi, Embu and Kericho in the coming days. The citizens were also advised to stay within their place of residence and leave only when necessary. 

The Indian High Commission in Kenya also advised all its nationals to exercise caution and restrict non-essential movement while at the same time avoiding areas prone to attack until the situation clears up. 

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