Britain has issued an updated travel advisory on Kenya in the wake of uncertainty occasioned by the repeat presidential election held on Thursday.
The UK government cautioned tourists from traveling to the west of Kenya, warning its citizens of rising cases of protests which could turn violent.
[caption caption="UK Minister of State Rory Stewart"]
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"Media reports that the Governors of Kisumu, Siaya, Homa Bay, Kakamega, and Migori have stated that elections won’t be allowed to take place in their counties on 26 October. This may trigger further protests. You should avoid traveling around these regions on and around days of planned protests including areas where demonstrations may take place," the notice read in part.
Before the update, the advisory had warned against all but essential travel to areas within 60km of the Kenya-Somali border, Garissa County, Lamu County (excluding Manda Island and Lamu Island) and areas of Tana River County due to fears of attacks from terror group Al-Shabaab.
Coming ahead of the key World Travel Market in London early next month, the political events in Kenya are expected to negatively impact the tourism sector in the country.
Safari destinations in Kenya such as national parks, reserves and wildlife conservancies including the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Aberdare National Park, Laikipia, Samburu, Tsavo and Lake Nakuru are not included in the advisory.
Britain’s Minister of State in the Foreign Office, Rory Stewart, ascertained that the UK is concerned by the increasingly unstable political situation in Kenya, and is encouraging a peaceful and non-violent election period.
He further beseeched Kenyan Security services to use the utmost restraint in handling protests, noting that any response must be proportionate and measured.
Mr Stewart also stated that the call by the opposition to boycott the election was unhelpful and that the election is an important moment for Kenyan and African democracy.
Concurrently, Marietje Schaake, the head of the EU election observation mission, stated that the failure by the Supreme Court to meet on Wednesday to confer an application to suspend Thursday’s election was extremely concerning, adding that if the Supreme Court judges cannot rule freely and safely, the rule of law in the country is at stake.
[caption caption="EU EOM Chief Observer Marietje Schaake"]
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