UK Tells Its Citizens Not To Travel To Sections Of Kenya After Raila Odinga's Death
Raila, who died on Wednesday, October 15, was flown back to Kenya less than a day later, arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday morning.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
British citizens have been cautioned against traveling to certain parts of Kenya following unrest sparked by the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in India.
Raila, who died on Wednesday, October 15, was flown back to Kenya less than a day later, arriving at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday morning.
Through the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the UK government released a travel advisory warning its nationals to avoid specific regions, citing kidnapping as a major threat.
“Following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Kenya is observing 7 days of national mourning from 15 October.
British High Commission in Nairobi. /FACEBOOK
"Roads to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi have sometimes been blocked by demonstrations, and the airport was temporarily closed due to a security situation following the arrival of the body of Raila Odinga on 16 October. It has since reopened," read part of the FCDO’s statement.
The update added, "There could be further disruption, particularly in Nairobi and Kisumu, over the period of national mourning."
Tensions have been high since Raila’s body landed in Nairobi, with thousands of supporters crowding the airport to accompany it for public viewing.
At the Moi International Sports Complex, Kasarani — where the viewing took place — chaos erupted as police reportedly fired live rounds to control the crowd.
The FCDO urged British nationals to steer clear of large gatherings and exercise caution, warning of possible abductions.
"There is a high risk of kidnapping across Kenya. British nationals are seen as legitimate targets. Westerners have been the target of kidnaps, and further kidnaps are very likely," the advisory stated.
The notice further advised UK citizens to stay updated through local media, especially regarding developments in Raila’s funeral procession.
The UK government also urged its nationals in Kenya to stay alert, limit travel, and take necessary precautions to ensure personal safety.
Meanwhile, uncertainty remains over whether the funeral plans outlined by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki on Wednesday will still hold, with the DP set to issue an update on this in an address anytime from now.
The initial plan for a public viewing at Parliament was scrapped and shifted to Kasarani Stadium after massive crowds overwhelmed security at the National Assembly.
This comes amid a series of recent UK advisories on Kenya, the latest issued in September, warning of a potential Al-Shabaab attack.
Areas under restriction include Mandera County, Tarbaj, and Wajir East constituencies in Wajir County, with Wajir Town being the only exception.
