Spain Embassy Warns Against Travelling To Kenyan Areas

The Embassy of Spain in Kenya has issued an advisory to its citizens intending to travel to six areas in the country ahead of the August 9 general elections.

In a statement dated Friday, August 5, the Embassy revealed that the Kibera and Mathare neighbourhoods in Nairobi were identified as some of the areas likely to be hotspots for demonstrations that may surface ahead of the August 9 polls.

Other areas listed as cautionary include Western Kenya, parts of the Rift Valley and Laikipia region, and the Coastal area.

An aerial view of Kibera slums in Nairobi. /WIKIPEDIA

The embassy added that caution should be exercised in the period around the date of the vote (especially in the days following the elections and the announcement of the results). 

"During this period, there could be difficulties moving around certain areas of the country, as well as occasional and localized outbreaks of violence and/or disturbances.

"In particular, it is strongly discouraged to participate in political events or gatherings, or even to walk near them. Likewise, it is recommended to have a reserve of food and drinking water in case of possible incidents in the supply on the days before and after the elections," read the advisory in part.

The embassy also strongly advised its citizens to inform themselves of the situation and to follow the local media such as Viral Tea, as well as the Embassy's Facebook page and Twitter accounts.

It also revealed reports of robberies linked to Internet pages and contact applications, with certain criminal groups using these means to contact the potential victim and, in a very violent way, steal their property and use their credit cards, urging caution on the same.

The advisory by Spain comes after a similar advisory by the United States (US) Embassy in Nairobi focused on the lakeside city of Kisumu. However, it drew criticism from the Kisumu County government as well as residents of the city.

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

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

Canada and Finland have also issued their advisories ahead of the polls scheduled for Tuesday, August 9. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) revealed that the results of the elections will be announced within seven days after voting day.

US Embassy in Kenya. /FILE