Document #1081322
IRB – Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (Author)
Extensive riots were reported in Nairobi
and other towns in Kenya during the first week of July 1990
(Africa Confidential
13 July 1990, 1-2; Africa Events Aug./Sept. 1990, 22-25;
Keesing's July 1990, 37603). The July riots were reportedly
sparked in June 1990, when in an effort to silence political
opposition and mounting criticism against government corruption and
refusal to restore Kenya to a multiparty democracy, President Moi,
ordered the arrest several reform advocates, including prominent
opposition ministers, lawyers and former detainees (Africa
Events Aug./Sept. 1990, 23).
A pro-democracy rally organized by members
of opposition groups at Kamukunji stadium in Nairobi, on 4 July
1990 was declared illegal. However, 6, 000 people reportedly turned
up and riots broke out when a contingent of police arrived in riot
gear and began using batons and tear gas to disperse the crowd
(ibid.). The crowd responded by hurling stones at the police and
stoning cars. Soon the riots spread to the outskirts of Nairobi,
toward Majengo and Pumwani shanties and "the poor estates" of
Dandora, Kariobangi, Kawangware, Kangemi and other towns of Kenya
such as Nakuru, Muranga, Narok, Nyandarua, Kiambu, Nyeri and Thika
(ibid.). The riots reportedly lasted four days and left 20 people
dead, many others injured, and more than 1,000 people in Jail
(ibid., 23; Keesing's July 1990; 37603).
This response was prepared after
researching publicly accessible information currently available to
the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does
not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular
claim to refugee status or asylum. For additional information on
the above-mentioned subject, please refer to the attached
documents.
Africa Confidential [London]. 13
July 1990. Vol. 31, No. 14. "Kenya: How Long Can Moi Survive?"
Africa Events [London].
August/September 1990. "Appointment with 'Saba Saba'."
Keesing's Record of World Events
[Cambridge]. July 1990. Vol. 36, Nos. 7-8. "Kenya: Government
attempts to Suppress Pro-Democracy Campaign."
Africa Confidential [London]. 13
July 1990. Vol. 31, No. 14. "Kenya: How Long Can Moi Survive?"
Africa Events [London]. August/September
1990. "Appointment with 'Saba Saba'."
Keesing's Record of World Events
[Cambridge]. July 1990. Vol. 36, Nos. 7-8.