The U.S. State Department on Thursday cautioned Americans living in or travelling to Kenya about possible rallies or protests that could turn violent ahead of the country’s general elections scheduled for August 8.
“Rallies, demonstrations, and protests may occur with little notice and even those intended to be peaceful can escalate into violence,” the State Department said in a travel alert.
“As with all large events, there is also the opportunity for criminal elements or terrorists to target participants and visitors,” the statement continued.
Political temperatures are already rising in the East African nation as politicians move around the country with their campaigns.
President Uhuru Kenyatta is seeking re-election for a second final term.
The country’s opposition has formed a unity coalition to challenge Uhuru’s re-election, but is yet to pick a candidate in their quest.
Kenya descended into violence after the disputed 2007 elections, with more than 1,200 people killed and thousands others displaced. The then opposition led by Raila Odinga accused former president Mwai Kibaki of rigging the election results after he was defeated.
The 2013 vote that was won by Uhuru Kenyatta however passed smoothly.
