US Embassy Issues Travel Advisory Against Kisumu

Aeriel View of Kisumu City
Aeriel View of Kisumu City
File

US Embassy in Nairobi has issued a travel advisory to its citizens and personnel to exercise caution while visiting the lakeside city of Kisumu during the electioneering period.

Through a statement dated Tuesday, August 2, the US Embassy imposed movement restrictions and further cautioned its citizens to only visit the city if and when necessary.

"Out of an abundance of caution, the Embassy has imposed movement restrictions on personnel in Kisumu. The State Department reminds US citizens of the continued need for sustained vigilance," the security alert read in part.

To ensure US citizens are protected ahead of the August 9 General Election, the Embassy advised them to monitor local media for updates, avoid crowds, avoid demonstrations and be vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.

An undated image of the entrance to the US Embassy in Gigiri, Nairobi.
A photo of the entrance to the US Embassy in Gigiri, Nairobi.
Photo
US Embassy

The Embassy also cautioned American citizens against displaying signs of wealth such as wearing expensive jewellery or watches.

To remain safe while moving around the country, the Embassy encouraged them to carry proper identification, including a copy of the bio-page of a US passport with a copy of a current Kenyan visa.

"Election-related demonstrations and rallies regularly take place in the runup to the election and are likely to continue, at times blocking key intersections and causing traffic jams.  

"Demonstrations may occasionally be violent, requiring police intervention. Strikes and other protest activities related to economic conditions occur regularly," the security alert noted.

Interior Cabinet Secretary, Fred Matiang'i, has already assured the country of security ahead of polls by deploying more officers to areas considered as hotspots.

Matiang'i, in a statement dated Tuesday, August 2, noted that more police officers had been deployed in some areas of Rift Valley that are notorious for election violence.

The CS spoke days after the new US Ambassador to Kenya, Margaret (Meg) Whitman, arrived in Nairobi.

Whitman was endorsed by the US Senate two weeks ago after being nominated by President Joe Biden.

The former tech chief executive and one of the richest Americans, will be charged with enhancing diplomatic cooperation between Kenya and the US during her time in the country.

The US is the biggest external contributor to democracy and good governance programmes, including supporting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the Judiciary.

A file image Business mogul and nominated US ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman
A file image of Business mogul and US ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman
Courtesy
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