Security Increased in Central Nairobi Ahead of Supreme Court Ruling on Election Annulment
Category: Unrest
Severity: 2 (Low)
Source: Drum Cussac
09/20/2017 (Kenya) - Media reports indicate that police have sealed off several roads around the Supreme Court building in central Nairobi on Wednesday, 20 September, as the court prepares to make a detailed ruling regarding the annulling of August's presidential election results. Three water cannon have reportedly been deployed in the area and roadblocks set up on City Hall Way blocking entrances to the building. Additional police officers have also been deployed throughout Nairobi's Central Business District ahead of the judges' statement. The decision to annul the election results due to various issues relating to procedural failings in the election process was controversial, with Jubilee party supporters claiming that the court intentionally voided their victory in the poll. However, the reasons behind the Supreme Court decision have not yet been fully explained and Wednesday's statement is expected to clarify whether there was any evidence of systematic electoral fraud. On Tuesday, police used tear gas to disperse a Jubilee party demonstration against the annulment of the election results outside the Supreme Court building. Similar protests were also held in other areas including Nakuru, Kikuyu, Nyeri and Eldoret. Police have reportedly stated that any such gatherings on Wednesday will be dispersed.
Those in Nairobi are advised to avoid the area around the Supreme Court on Wednesday and exercise a heightened level of caution in the Central Business District due to the risk of unrest. Travellers should monitor local media sources to remain apprised of any planned or spontaneous gatherings in their particular area of operations. Travellers are advised to avoid all demonstrations and political gatherings in Kenya due to the risk of exposure to potential crowd disturbances and incidental violence as well as aggressive police crowd dispersal operations.
Copyright © 2024 Drum Cussac
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