Amid mounting tension, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Ireland have issued stern travel advisories to their citizens ahead of today’s planned protests under the banner of ‘Total Shutdown Tuesday.’
The advisories highlight significant concerns about safety and security as anti-government demonstrations continue to roil the country. These countries have alerted their citizens to the dangers of the escalating protests, particularly in major cities like Nairobi.
The Canadian government warned of barricades, looting, and fatal shootings, noting that "Demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruption to traffic and public transportation. Access to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport may be affected. Telecommunications and Internet access may also be disrupted."
Canadian authorities also emphasised that curfews could be imposed and movement restricted without notice.
To minimise risk, they advised their nationals to avoid areas around government buildings, steer clear of large gatherings, and expect a heavy security presence. Following local media for updates and adhering to instructions from local authorities were also strongly recommended.
The Irish government echoed these concerns, urging its citizens to stay informed through local media and avoid any protest activities, which they cautioned could quickly turn violent.
The advisory stated, "Irish citizens travelling to Kenya should always monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities. Always avoid demonstrations, as they may turn violent."
The United States Embassy in Kenya also issued a security advisory on Monday, warning its citizens of potential protests on Tuesdays and Thursdays, particularly in central business districts and major roads.
The embassy's message underscored the volatility of these demonstrations, urging Americans to avoid crowds, keep vehicle doors and windows locked, and stay updated on road conditions through local media.
The protests, initially peaceful, have frequently descended into violence, leading to numerous injuries and fatalities.
According to Rights Group figures, at least 43 people have been killed since the protests began. The unrest started in response to the Finance Bill 2024 and has since evolved into a broader call for the resignation of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
In a dramatic response to the escalating protests, President Ruto has withdrawn the contentious Finance Bill, proposed austerity measures, and dismissed his entire cabinet, including the Attorney General.
However, the President did not stop at domestic actions. He publicly accused the US-based Ford Foundation of financing the protests, which he claimed had turned deadly.
"Those behind sponsoring the chaos in the Republic of Kenya, shame on them because they are sponsoring violence against our democratic nation," Ruto declared at an event in Nakuru. "I want to ask the people of Ford Foundation, that money they are giving out to sponsor violence, how are they going to benefit," he questioned a large crowd gathered to hear his address.
Bigger Picture: The ongoing protests, which have been raging since June, are expected to significantly impact the tourism sector as more foreign governments issue warnings to their citizens.
The Ministry of Tourism had anticipated that in 2024, the country would welcome 2,381,371 tourists, surpassing pre-COVID levels. However, the sector, which contributes 10.4 per cent of the country's GDP and accounts for 5.5 per cent of Kenya's formal employment, is now facing a potentially turbulent year as citizens continue to agitate for change.
