The Kenya Forum has received information, as yet unconfirmed, that the UN have issued a warning of what is being termed ‘an organised riot’ to take place somewhere in Nairobi today at 1pm.

The Forum understands that at least one school, The Hillcrest Secondary School in the Karen district, Nairobi, is sending its students home at noon today as a precautionary measure.

More to follow.

LATEST: 10.50am

The Kenya Forum has received the following email:
Planned demonstrations this Friday 31st August 2012
Credible intelligence has confirmed that the Muslim community in Kenya, has been urged to come out in large numbers tomorrow – Friday 31st August to carry out demonstrations after their Friday prayers, from 1.00pm. This is to protest the killing of Sheikh Aboud Rogo in Mombasa earlier this week.

Kenya’s leading statesmen have called for restraint and the need for an open dialogue in response to earlier protests in Mombasa. 

The Nairobi Mosques where the alleged ‘protest-call’ has been made include:

MOSQUE: AREA / LOCATION

Jamia Mosque
CBD
South C Mosque
South C
Riyadh Mosque
Pumwani – Eastlands Area
Majengo Mosque
Eastleigh – Eastlands Area
Kibera Slums

Protests likely to spill over to Ngong Road, Langata Estate/Road, Hurlingham, CBD, Lavington, Dagoretti Corner.

Because the specific nature of the protests is unknown, militant groups and thugs may take advantage of the situation. These protests are also likely to turn violent, characterized by running battles between rioters and police, looting, grenade attacks, muggings, burning and damaging of vehicles/property, general business disruptions and heavy traffic snarl ups as has been witnessed in Mombasa over the last three days.

Security advisory for staff

You are advised to avoid Nairobi CBD and above mentioned Mosques and surrounding areas tomorrow – Friday 31st August 2012. If possible, please postpone any business you have in the CBD to another day.

UPDATE: 12.05pm

The Kenya Forum has heard that the Dutch Embassy have advised its citizens of peaceful demonstrations from 12.00pm onwards today in Nairobi. They warn that there is a chance of escalation, and that the areas of Eastleigh and the Central Nairobi districts should be avoided.

UPDATE: 1.10pm

Citizen TV announced at 1pm today that Muslim leaders have appealed to their communities in Mombasa and Nairobi not to take part in any planned demonstrations today after midday prayers.