US Ambassador Visits Kisumu Weeks After Controversial Travel Advisory

By Kevin Koech

Posted on 31 August 2022

US ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman and Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o PHOTO/TWITTER

US ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman was in Kisumu on Tuesday, August 30 weeks after warning its citizens from traveling to the city.

Whitman landed at the Kisumu International Airport aboard a Jambo Jet flight ahead of her meeting with Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o.

She also met County Commissioner Josephine Ouko during her visit.

In a statement after meeting Nyong’o, Whitman congratulated the governor on his reelection; further heaping praises on the beautiful city which she said was a host to numerous US investments.

“Anyang Nyongo, congratulations on your re-election and thank you for making time to meet with me on my first visit to Kisumu

“Kisumu is a beautiful city and host to numerous U.S. investments, American businesses, U.S. citizens & embassy programs,” Whitman tweeted.

.@AnyangNyongo, congratulations on your re-election and thank you for making time to meet with me on my first visit to Kisumu! Kisumu is a beautiful city and host to numerous U.S. investments, American businesses, U.S. citizens & embassy programs. 👏 pic.twitter.com/5xidNBzN3w

— U.S. Ambassador Meg Whitman (@USAmbKenya) August 30, 2022

On August 3, the US Embassy controversially imposed movement restrictions to its citizens ahead of the August 9 General Elections.

In a statement, the embassy warned it’s citizens against traveling to Kisumu County with just 5 days to the polls.

The embassy noted that election-related demonstrations and rallies mostly take place in the run-up to the elections and they are expected to block key intersections and causing traffic jams.

The embassy also noted that such demonstrations are most likely to be violent.

It also pointed put that such demos occur regularly in Kisumu County.

“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,” the statement read.

The US citizens were asked to review their personal security plans, have travel documents up to date and easily accessible.

It also advisable that they also carry proper identification, including a copy of the bio-page of their US passport with a copy of a current Kenyan visa.