In Washington on Feb. 1, the United States issued a warning to Americans about the dangers of traveling to Kenya due to a recent increase in political violence. Since President Mwai Kibaki's controversial re-election on Dec. 27, approximately 850 people have been killed in political and ethnic clashes in Kenya. The killing of an opposition lawmaker on Thursday led to more protests and deadly confrontations. The State Department emphasized that the situation in Kenya was unpredictable and advised caution, noting that some U.S. officials had been relocated from Kisumu to Nairobi due to the unrest. The State Department highlighted recent protests in Nairobi and violent incidents in Kisumu, Nakuru, and Naivasha, warning of the potential for spontaneous violence given the current political climate. The warning advised American citizens to refrain from traveling to certain cities and areas outside Nairobi. It cautioned them to be ready for potential confrontations between police and protesters or rival groups. The alert emphasized that even peaceful demonstrations could turn violent, urging Americans to steer clear of all protests, demonstrations, and crowded public events.