The United States Embassy in Kenya has cautioned its citizens living in Kenya against planned demonstrations in Nairobi.
In a notice released on Tuesday, January 13, the U.S Embassy flagged a planned demonstration that is reportedly in response to recent U.S. military action in Venezuela that has drawn global attention and criticism.
According to the alert, the demonstration is expected to take place near the embassy premises in the Gigiri neighbourhood on Wednesday, January 14.
“There are reports on social media calling for a demonstration in the vicinity of the U.S. Embassy on Wednesday, January 14, in protest of U.S. military action in Venezuela,” the statement read.
Before the alert, there had been suggestions that groups like the Communist Party of Kenya (CPK) and the Kenya Left Alliance had previously issued public calls for the youth to hold demonstrations in solidarity with Venezuela.
In early January, a U.S military operation in Venezuela resulted in the capture of the President, Nicolas Maduro.
On January 3, the United States military conducted a raid in Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, an operation that resulted in the capture of Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. Maduro was then transported to the U.S. before his arraignment in a federal court.
Maduro later pleaded not guilty to charges of narco-terrorism conspiracy, drug importation, and weapons possession.
His capture triggered several protests in America by the Venezuelan citizens abroad, and now Kenya plans to stand in solidarity with the Venezuelans on Wednesday.
Due to the planned protests, in its advisory, the embassy recommended that citizens and residents monitor local media for updates on the situation and avoid crowds.
U.S citizens were also urged to keep a low profile and stay aware of their surroundings. The embassy also urged close contact with friends and family as often as possible.
Activists in Kenya are also reportedly coordinating with regional efforts, such as human rights groups addressing the militarisation of the upcoming elections in Uganda on January 15, framing these events as a broader struggle for African and global sovereignty.
The embassy has consistently continued to issue advisories for its citizens in the country to exercise caution due to any planned disruption of peace. This is to ensure the safety of U.S. citizens living in Kenya.
