Nyanza women leaders protest multiple US security alerts

Former MP Phoebe Asiyo, right, and other women leaders. [Collins Oduor, Standard]

Women leaders from Nyanza region have protested the security alerts issued by some foreign embassies and development partners in Nairobi.

While addressing the media on Friday, they expressed their disappointment with the random security alerts that have so far been issued twice by the United States (US) Embassy in Nairobi.

In the alerts, the US Embassy warned its nationals of a possible violence outbreak during the determination and announcement of the presidential petition ruling by the Supreme Court.

With the alert notices specifically singling out Kisumu and its environs as the areas most vulnerable to violent outbreaks, the women feel that the Luo community is being targeted. They have thus termed the move as discriminating, counterproductive and unwarranted.

Former Maendeleo ya Wanawake chair Dr Phoebe Asiyo said the move would incite youth to engage in violence, thereby undoing the hard work of peace building that several actors have accomplished in the region.

"We the Luo women elders and our children are determined to keep peace no matter the Supreme Court ruling," said Asiyo.

Betty Okero, the Civil Society Organization (CSO) Network team leader said the announcement is tantamount to unprovoked, blantant and malicious profiling of the region and its people.