- The embassy further warned of traffic disruptions on roads across the city.
- They asked the US residents to avoid protest areas and demonstrations, monitor local media for updates, avoid crowds and keep a low profile.
Image: HANDOUT
The US embassy in Nairobi has issued a security alert to its citizens over the Finance Bill Protest.
On Tuesday, Kenyans protested over the Finance Bill which is about to be tabled in Parliament.
Dubbed 'Occupy Parliament' Kenyans took to the streets in Nairobi to protest.
In a statement, the US embassy asked its citizens in Nairobi to exercise caution as they go about their businesses.
"There is a planned protest about the Finance Bill of 2024 in the area of the Parliament of Kenya in the Central Business District beginning at 12:00 pm," the statement read.
"Organizers have stated that the events are intended to be peaceful. However, large public gatherings can turn violent at any moment. It is recommended to remain vigilant and aware of circumstances and avoid large gatherings.
The embassy further warned of traffic disruptions on roads across the city.
They asked the US residents to avoid protest areas and demonstrations, monitor local media for updates, avoid crowds and keep a low profile.
They have also asked them to notify friends and family for their safety and be aware of their surroundings.
"You should also review your security plans, stay alert in locations frequented by tourists/foreigners, have travel documents up to date and easily accessible and carry proper Identification, including a U.S. passport with a current Kenyan visa," the statement read.
The embassy further asked them to have evacuation plans that do not rely on U.S. government assistance.
According to the embassy, US residents should contact the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya United Nations Avenue, Gigiri+254 (0) 20 363 6451 U.S. Citizen Services – U.S. Embassy in Kenya (usembassy.gov) in case of anything.
Several Kenyans have been arrested for participating in the #OccupyParliament protests.
Police in plain clothes arrested protesters who were converging at various meeting points within the Central Business District.
Those who attempted to assemble outside the National Centre, National Archives, Kencom and Jeevanjee grounds were swiftly arrested.
The protest came ahead of the tabling of the Finance Bill, 2024 report by the National Assembly's Finance and Planning Committee.