U.S. citizens have been warned against going to the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) after protests took a chaotic turn on Thursday, June 12.
In a travel advisory, the United States Department of State cited the use of tear gas and live ammunition as an indication that the demonstrations pose a risk, particularly to American citizens.
"Violent protests are currently underway in the Central Business District (CBD) of Nairobi," the alert stated. "Unverified reports have indicated the use of tear gas and live ammunition."
As a result, the Bureau of Consular Affairs urged U.S. citizens currently in Kenya to exercise extreme caution and avoid the CBD until the situation stabilises.
Part of the cautionary measures U.S. citizens were urged to observe included avoiding crowds and notifying friends and family of their whereabouts at all times.
The bureau also advised its citizens to always carry their U.S. passport with a valid Kenyan visa in case they are required to present it to authorities.
Additionally, U.S. citizens were encouraged to follow local media for fresh developments and updates on the ongoing protests.
By Thursday afternoon, protests in the Nairobi CBD had escalated, forcing police to disperse an irate crowd using teargas canisters.
The demonstrations disrupted activities for most of the afternoon, with protestors turning up in their hundreds to rally around two main issues, the murder of blogger Albert Ojwang' and the 2025/2026 Budget, which was presented before Parliament by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi.
Vandalism was also reported, with several newly installed bins removed from their original stations and carried along the roads by protestors, despite earlier warnings from the county government issued less than a month ago.
An unfortunate scene unfolded near Kenya Cinema, where two vehicles were set ablaze amid clashes between civilians and anti-riot police.
In its advisory, the U.S. also urged its citizens to keep their doors locked and windows rolled up while travelling in private vehicles.
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