Kenya: Nationwide anti-corruption protests May 31

Event

Protests are set to take place across the country on Thursday, May 31, to denounce “the normalization of corruption” in government institutions, including in Nairobi and Mombasa. In the capital Nairobi, protesters are expected to gather at 08:00 (local time) at Freedom Corner, next to Uhuru Park, and then march to Harambee Avenue, passing by the Parliament building and the Supreme Court. Transportation disruptions are to be anticipated in affected areas, and clashes between protesters and security forces cannot be ruled out.

Context

The protests were called for after local media outlets published a series of stories regarding graft and abuse of funds involving the National Youth Service (NYS), the Youth Enterprise Development Fund (YEDF), and the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).

Advice

Individuals present in Kenya are advised to avoid all demonstrations and anticipate transportation disruptions.

On a separate note, due to the significant terrorist threat and other security concerns, many Western governments advise against travel to a number of regions in the country, including areas bordering Somalia (parts of Mandera, Wajir, Garissa, and Lamu counties), Ethiopia, and South Sudan, as well as nonessential travel to the city of Mombasa. Several Nairobi neighborhoods, including Eastleigh and Pangani, are also best avoided.