By Kei Emmanuel Duku
South Sudan Embassy in Nairobi has issued a stern warning to citizens in Kenya, to desist from participating in any demonstrations within the country.
This warning follows a circular from the Gen-Z Movement regarding a protest, yesterday, directing parents not to send their children to school.
Instead, the Embassy urged South Sudanese across various parts of Kenya to remain where they are, avoid any protest areas, and not participate in any form of demonstrations, marches, or public gatherings.
“We remind our citizens that participation in protests—whether peaceful or not—is subject to the laws of Kenya,” a statement on the Embassy’s social media page read.
The Embassy noted that participation by South Sudanese in any planned protest by the Gen-Z Movement could lead to serious legal consequences, including arrest or deportation, and that the Embassy would not be able to intervene on behalf of individuals who violate Kenyan law.
“We appeal to all South Sudanese to act with caution, prioritize their personal safety, and respect the laws and regulations of the host country at all times,” the statement added.
The Embassy further stated that it is important to protect South Sudanese living in Kenya during protests, as this contributes to strengthening South Sudan-Kenya relations.
In the recent weeks, Kenyan Police Service have been engaged in ongoing confrontations with Gen-Z protestors, who are demonstrating against various alleged human rights abuses committed by the police, including detentions, brutal arrests, kidnapping, abduction, and the killing of civilians in Kenya’s streets while protesting one year’s anniversary of the Gen-Z Movement.
Kenyan media reports put the number of those killed in the recent protests between 10 and 15.