U.K.-based Trade Group Calls Off Tours to Kenya

Members of the Federation of Tour Operators in the U.K. have suspended operating tours in Kenya as the country entered its fifth day of political unrest.

In a statement appearing on its website, the tour operator trade group said its members had suspended all tour departures to Kenya.

“Customers due to fly over the coming days should contact their travel agent or tour operator,” the West Sussex-based federation said in a statement. “Alternative holidays for these customers will be offered where available or refunds of moneys paid.”

Meanwhile, the federation added, “customers currently in Kenya are expected to return home on their planned departure dates.”

The move by the FTO came a day after the British government issued an advisory alerting travelers to the growing violence in Kenya, a popular safari destination.

Canada and Australia separately also issued notices advising against traveling to Kenya; the U.S., which already has a travel warning in place for the country, advised its citizens to exercise caution when traveling to the African nation.

Violence erupted in Kenya in the wake of a dispute presidential election on Dec. 27. Since then, according to a U.S. State Dept. advisory, “There have been reports of widespread violence, demonstrations, and looting in Nairobi and throughout Kenya” with scores killed and injured over the past few days.