WARDEN MESSAGES

Warden Message: Holiday and Election Security

December 21, 2007

Next week, Kenya will be not only celebrating the holiday season (December 25-26), but also conducting nation-wide elections (on December 27-28) for president, parliament and local civic leaders. The coincidence of the holiday and election period could result in heightened holiday-related crime and election-related violence.  There is also a risk of violence during the immediate post-election period.  

The American Embassy wishes to remind all American citizens of the need to exercise caution and common sense and to practice good personal security:  avoid crowds (where pickpockets flourish) and political demonstrations or rallies;  even peaceful gatherings can turn violent.    

The U.S. Embassy will be closed the entire work week, December 24 through December 28, in recognition of both U.S. and Kenyan officially declared holidays.

Given the lengthy holiday period and the unpredictability of transportation, store openings and supplies during this period, we recommend that you have sufficient food, water and fuel/gasoline on hand to last through December 30.   

The American Embassy is monitoring the situation closely and working with Embassy sections and their counterparts to ensure a safe and secure environment. 

Additional reminders to keep you safe and aware include:

• Review your Personal Security Self-Assessment Checklist. Continuing good personal security measures will assist you through the holiday and campaign period and beyond.
• Consult wardens, counterparts and trusted members of the community for information about local security conditions in your area. 
• Maintain political impartiality and keep a low public profile.  For example, do not wear or display campaign materials of any kind.  In particular, don’t wear shirts that are the colors of the major political parties (Orange for ODM and ODM-Kenya; royal blue for PNU). 

Note:  The election is December 27; for balloting purposes, polling stations will open at 0600 and close at 1700.  Vote counting and tallying will commence the evening of December 27 and continue through December 28, as necessary.  Results may be announced on December 28, but more likely on the 29th.  The inauguration of the new president is expected to follow within a few days.