Finance Bill Protests Force The US Embassy To Issue Safety Advisory
On Tuesday, June 18, the US Embassy in Kenya issued a safety alert to its citizens in anticipation of planned protests in the capital city.
The advisory advised US citizens to avoid potential hotspots such as the Central Business District and the area surrounding the Parliament buildings.
Despite the event organizers’ assurances of peaceful intentions, the Embassy warned that the demonstrations could turn violent.
“Organizers have stated that the events are intended to be peaceful. However, large public gatherings can turn violent at any moment. It is advisable to remain vigilant, stay informed of the situation, and avoid large gatherings,” the statement read.
Americans were also alerted to potential traffic disruptions.
Furthermore, the embassy advised its citizens to prepare evacuation plans that do not rely on the US government for assistance in the event of a violent outbreak.
American citizens were also asked to maintain a low profile and avoid public gatherings and large crowds.
The administration also urged its citizens to keep their travel documents up to date and easily accessible at all times.
The embassy also requested that its citizens be more vigilant in tourist and foreigner-frequented areas.
Meanwhile, as the embassy issued the safety advisory to its citizens, a large police presence was deployed in the CBD as Kenyans marched to protest the proposed Finance Bill of 2024.
Protesters have vowed to march to parliament buildings, demanding that their legislators speak out against proposed punitive taxes in the bill.
Kenyans have continued to demand that parliament repeal the bill, despite the government-allied faction of legislators proposing changes to a Finance Committee report scheduled to be tabled in parliament on Tuesday afternoon.
Finance Bill Protests Force The US Embassy To Issue Safety Advisory
