UK issues travel advisory on Kenya over kidnapping
The United Kingdom (UK) has cautioned its citizens over increasing cases of kidnapping in Kenya.
The United Kingdom (UK) has cautioned its citizens over increasing cases of kidnapping in Kenya.
In a travel advisory issued on Friday, June 27, British citizens were advised to exercise caution as they were potential targets.
The UK government explained that the kidnappers had targeted Westerners in the recent past, with a likelihood of the incidents increasing.
“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,” read part of the update in part.
Notably, the advisory by the UK comes months after the United States Embassy in Nairobi issued a similar update on kidnappings.
In the advisory issued in March, the US embassy detailed that the kidnappings were prone in the northern parts of Kenya and parts of Nairobi.
“Kenya-Somalia border counties (Garissa, Wajir, Mandera), Tana River County, and coastal areas north of Malindi, due to terrorism and kidnapping,” the US warned in March.
“Reconsider travel to the Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera due to crime and kidnapping.”
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However, between March and June, various countries and their embassies in Kenya have issued security alerts to their citizens owing to the recent protests.
For instance, the UK and the US cautioned their citizens against visiting the CBD during the June 25 protests.
As detailed in the advisories, there was a likelihood of violence in the protests.
Protests, demonstrations, and strikes are common in Kenya, particularly in Nairobi. These events often cause traffic disruption and can lead to violence. A number of demonstrators have been injured and killed in recent years,” the UK cautioned then.
“The situation could change quickly, especially on key dates, such as the anniversary of the Finance Bill protests, which took place in June and July 2024. Stay away from political gatherings and large crowds, and monitor local media to see when and where major protests are likely. Follow local news and the instructions of local authorities closely.”
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