The UK has denied issuing a fresh travel warning against Kenya as reported by local Daily Nation newspaper, saying it was simply giving a factual update.
British authorities had on Thursday asked its citizens in the East African country to remain cautious as there were possibilities of clashes throughout the country because of the Tuesday inauguration of President Uhuru Kenyatta.
“…the inauguration of President Kenyatta will take place in the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi on 28 November; political tensions are high and demonstrations and clashes are possible throughout the country, particularly in the western region; you should exercise caution and, where possible, avoid travelling around areas where demonstrations may take place,” a statement from the Foreign and Commonwealth office read.
Reports that the UK has issued fresh travel warning against Kenya are misleading.
The truth? We made a factual update stating inauguration will happen on Tuesday, & roads around stadium may be disrupted. We update travel advice regularly to ensure it is current @NationBreaking
— UK in Kenya 🇬🇧🇰🇪 (@UKinKenya) November 24, 2017
Preparations for Kenyatta’s swearing-in are in top gear, though a political impasse between the government and the opposition is yet to be resolved.
The opposition maintains that Kenyatta was not validly elected as Kenya’s leader, and that it would not recognize him as president.
The president is however keen to move the country forward after a lengthy period of heated political temperatures that saw the country hold two presidential elections in less than three months
“We cannot continue with politics, we can’t feed on politics. Wananchi (the citizen) have made their choice and now it’s time to join hands and develop our great nation,” Kenyatta said on Thursday while launching the construction of a multi-billion Dam in Kirinyaga county.
According to Government Spokesperson Eric Kiraithe, 20 heads of state have so far confirmed attendance of Kenyatta’s inauguration ceremony, though no names have been given.
