Kenya and Nigeria warn citizens about escalating violence in the UK

Kenyan and Nigerian governments have issued warnings to their citizens regarding travel to the United Kingdom, urging them to exercise great caution due to the increased risk of violence following the recent killing of three young girls at a concert. 

The two governments also warned their residents residing in the UK to be on high alert.

Kenyan Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Sing'oei Korir expressed his concerns on Sunday through a tweet on his X account, stating, "A deeply worrying situation in the UK. Kenyans are urged to exercise caution." 

However, the Foreign Office under Korir has not yet officially communicated this advisory to the public.

In contrast, the Nigerian government released a strongly worded statement describing the violence as having "dangerous proportions," highlighted by attacks on law enforcement and damage to infrastructure. 

The statement advised citizens to be extra vigilant and take specific precautions, including avoiding political processions, protests, rallies, and large gatherings, and being vigilant and self-aware at all times.

In recent weeks, significant demonstrations by far-right and other extraparliamentary groups have taken place across various parts of the UK, with some of these protests turning ugly.

These disturbances have been exacerbated by the tragic deaths of the three girls, fuelling an anti-immigration narrative targeting Muslim immigrants and people of colour.

It is noteworthy that African governments typically avoid commenting on domestic issues in former colonial powers or influential countries, preferring to watch as these countries issue alerts and comments on African matters in various regions.

Police officers detain a man as people protest outside a hotel in Rotherham, Britain, August 4, 2024. (Photo: REUTERS/Hollie Adams)