UK Issues Travel Warning to Citizens ahead of June 25 Protests: "Avoid Political Gatherings"
- A section of Kenyans is expected to protest in commemoration of Gen Zs who died in the June 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests
- In response, the United Kingdom government has issued a travel advisory for its citizens to follow to keep themselves from danger during the protests
- This comes hours after 12 foreign missions warned the Kenya Kwanza government against deploying plain-clothes police officers to harass demonstrators
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Faith Chandianya, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and Current Affairs in Kenya
The United Kingdom has issued a travel advisory, urging its citizens to exercise caution when travelling to Kenya ahead of the Wednesday, June 25, protests.
Source: Getty Images
In a statement seen by TUKO.co.ke, the UK government stated that protests, demonstrations and strikes are rampant in Nairobi, especially on the anniversary of the Finance Bill protests, which occurred in June 2024.
Did UK government warn citizens about visiting Nairobi?
They further provided instructions to their citizens to follow as they manoeuvre the streets of Nairobi on Wednesday.
The UK government urged its citizens to stay away from places where people are gathered in large numbers for their safety.
They also cited instances where those who engaged in past protests were either brutally murdered or injured as tensions escalated.
"Protests, demonstrations and strikes are common in Kenya, particularly in Nairobi. These events often cause traffic disruption and can lead to violence. A number of demonstrators have been injured and killed in recent years," the statement read in part.
"The situation could change quickly, especially on key dates, such as the anniversary of the Finance Bill protests, which took place in June and July 2024. Avoid political gatherings and large crowds."
Citizens were advised to stay updated on local media outlets for the latest events during the protests.
"Monitor local media to see when and where major protests are likely. Follow local news and the instructions of local authorities closely," the UK government added.
This comes as a section of Kenyans plan to commemorate the lives of the youth killed during the Gen Z-led anti-Finance Bill protests.
Foreign missions warn govt against plain-clothes officers
Meanwhile, 12 foreign missions in the country issued a warning to President William Ruto's government ahead of protests.
In a joint statement, the US, Germany, Britain and nine others urged the government to ensure that there are no plain-clothed officers on the streets during the June 25 demos.
Source: Getty Images
The diplomats also advised politicians against hiring goons to disrupt protests that are supposed to be peaceful.
Recent reports exposed an alleged plot by government officials to have youth from low-income households infiltrate the protests.
The exposé stated that the plan was to arm the alleged goons with wooden clubs and give them directives to attack women and the youth.
Some politicians linked to the ruling party, the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), and operatives from City Hall were named as sponsors of the alleged state-sponsored brutality.
Proofreading by Mercy Nyambura, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
