Information on the July 1990 riots [KEN17967.E]

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.

References


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."

Attachments

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.