The US Embassy has disowned a statement doing rounds in social media offering an apology and withdrawing a statement that the embassy issued on August 2.
On the above mentioned day, the embassy released a statement advising its citizens to restrict movement in Kisumu over fear of violence that may erupt during the election period.
“Election-related demonstrations and rallies regularly take place in the runup to the election and are likely to continue, at times blocking key intersections and causing traffic jams. Demonstrations may occasionally be violent, requiring police intervention. Strikes and other protest activities related to economic conditions occur regularly.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the Embassy has imposed movement restrictions on personnel in Kisumu. The State Department reminds U.S. citizens of the continued need for sustained vigilance.” part of the statement read.
In the apology purportedly from the embassy’s spokes person, the author claimed that the August 2 alert had been withdrawn.
“We assure Kenyan people that the US Embassy stands with them as they head to polls next week in an election in which we have no information on winners and losers. We unreservedly apologize to the people of Kisumu, any member of the public and political class. It is hereby withdrawn,” part of the fake statement read.
The embassy however directed people to check out on their official statement on their website it noted that such kinds of alerts to US citizens across the world are common ahead of elections.
“The United States has no information to suggest the security situation in Kisumu, or in any other parts of Kenya, have been adversely affected by election preparations. Kisumu hosts a significant number of U.S. Embassy personnel and is a frequent travel destination for American citizens. The U.S. Department of State has no greater responsibility than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas and routinely issues Security Alerts surrounding elections, health conditions, and extreme weather, ensuring U.S. citizens have information that helps inform travel plans,” The embassy stated.
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