US Citizens Warned Against Travelling To Kisumu Again

The United States (US) Embassy in Nairobi has issued another travel advisory to its citizens and personnel intending to travel to the lakeside city of Kisumu.

This is ahead of the Supreme Court ruling scheduled for Monday, September 5.

The embassy revealed on Thursday, September 1 that Kenya has periodically experienced some post-electoral violence during election cycles.

It also revealed that election-related demonstrations and rallies regularly take place after elections, at times blocking key intersections and causing traffic jams.

US Embassy in Kenya. /FILE

"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 U.S. Embassy has imposed movement restrictions on U.S. government personnel in Kisumu. The State Department reminds U.S. citizens of the continued need for sustained vigilance," the embassy cautioned.

The embassy was forced to clarify its previous advisory issued on Tuesday, August 2 ahead of the August 9 general elections after Kenyans took fault with it.

It explained that the advisory was just a routine security alert and added by assuring Kenyans that it had no knowledge suggesting planned acts of violence within the lakeside city, as some media outlets had insinuated. 

"Alerts of this nature to American citizens are common ahead of elections throughout the world, and the United States has no information to suggest the security situation in Kisumu, or in any other parts of Kenya, have been adversely affected by election preparations.  

"Kisumu hosts a significant number of U.S. Embassy personnel and is a frequent travel destination for American citizens," the statement addressed in part. 

The embassy further noted that the U.S. Department of State has no greater responsibility than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas. 

It therefore routinely issues security alerts surrounding elections, health conditions, and extreme weather, ensuring U.S. citizens have information that helps inform travel plans. 

The advisory raised eyebrows considering Kisumu has been in the headlines for the wrong reasons, among them the stoning incident on Deputy President William Ruto's motorcade during his visit to Kondele, which led to the arrest of one of the county officials.

Kisumu Governor, Anyang' Nyong'o, assured Kenyans that the city's residents were peaceful and welcoming to visitors.

"On the travel advisory issued by the US Embassy Kenya urging American citizens to avoid travelling to Kisumu, I want to assure those travelling to Kisumu that our people are very peaceful and looking forward to welcoming you. Enjoy our beautiful sunset city," the governor stated.

US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman and Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyongo on Tuesday, August 30, 2022. /MEG WHITMAN