Kenya: Opposition leader plans swearing-in ceremony in Nairobi Jan. 30

Event

The National Super Alliance (NASA) opposition coalition is still planning to swear in Raila Odinga as the “people’s president” in Nairobi on Tuesday, January 30. NASA leaders released what they claim to be authentic election results on Friday, January 26, that show Odinga won the August presidential election over Uhuru Kenyatta. Opposition leaders intend to hold the ceremony at Uhuru Park despite warnings from the government that the park will be closed for renovations. As of Friday, it is unclear if the NASA will change the venue of the swearing-in ceremony. The government has rejected NASA’s claims concerning the election’s outcome and the attorney general said that holding the ceremony will be considered treason.

Opposition leaders also intend to hold a rally in Kisii on Sunday, January 28, ahead of the January 30 event. Expect large crowds and a significant security presence around any demonstrations. Clashes between security forces and NASA supporters are likely.

Context

Kenya experienced several months of political crisis surrounding this year’s presidential election. President Kenyatta was initially declared the victor of the August 8 presidential elections, garnering 54 percent of the vote.  However, on September 1, the Supreme Court officially invalidated the vote due to "irregularities." A re-run election was held on October 26, but was boycotted by Odinga, who claimed the vote would not be fair. President Kenyatta won re-election with 98 percent of the vote, but with only 39 percent voter turnout. Violent protests erupted in some areas of Nairobi, Kisumu, and Migori on November 20, after Kenya's Supreme Court dismissed two cases challenging the October 26 re-run vote.

Advice

Individuals in Kenya, particularly in Nairobi, are advised to avoid all public gatherings (particularly political events) due to the risk of violence and to monitor the situation.