NAIROBI, KENYA: The British government has issued a travel warning to its citizens advising them to avoid some places ahead of the elections.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office said rallies and protests may take place in the lead up to, during and after elections and advised the citizens to monitor local and international media and if a demonstration or disturbance takes place they leave the area quickly.
The Monday warning asked UK citizens to be careful.
The FCO said the factual updates are made on a reasonably regular basis to reflect unfolding events in a country, which may be relevant to UK nationals (in terms of security, health, local laws and customs, entry requirements), and are different to a travel advisory.
"Today's factual update highlights the proximity of August's elections. The update does not make any presumptions about this year's elections, but recommends that British Citizens monitor local and international media closely during the immediate period around the elections and remain vigilant," read part of the updated alert sent to newsrooms.
The warning adds terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Kenya and the main threat comes from extremists linked to Al Shabaab, a militant group that has carried out attacks in Kenya in response to military intervention in Somalia.
"In light of security concerns, the Kenyan government has imposed a curfew in Mandera county and large parts of Lamu county, Tana River county and Garissa county for the hours 6:30pm to 6:30am. This curfew doesn't apply to Lamu Island, Manda Island or Pate Island."
It adds there is a heightened threat of terrorist attacks in Nairobi and the coast and resort areas of Mombasa and Malindi and that the Inspector General of police has called on the public to adopt a higher level of vigilance and report any suspicious people or activity straight away.
"The central county of Laikipia has seen numerous invasions by cattle herders onto privately held ranches and conservancies, in some cases leading to violence and arson. The security forces are seeking to enforce private property rights."
"There are frequent incidents of violent crime including mugging, armed robbery and carjacking, particularly in the large cities," said the warning.
The Standard Group Plc is a
multi-media organization with investments in media platforms spanning newspaper
print operations, television, radio broadcasting, digital and online services. The
Standard Group is recognized as a leading multi-media house in Kenya with a key
influence in matters of national and international interest.
join