The Most Violent Election in Kenya: The 2007 Post-Election Crisis

 

Kenya's political history is marked by significant electoral milestones, but none have been as violent or devastating as the 2007 election. The aftermath of that election marked one of the darkest periods in the nation’s history, a time when political rivalry, ethnic tensions, and historical grievances came to a head, resulting in widespread violence and social unrest.

The Prelude to Violence

Kenya has long struggled with political instability and ethnic tensions, with its politics often aligning along ethnic lines. In the 2007 general election, two major political factions emerged: President Mwai Kibaki, seeking re-election, and Raila Odinga, the leader of the opposition. Kibaki was from the Kikuyu ethnic group, Kenya’s largest, while Odinga hailed from the Luo community. These ethnic divisions, combined with existing discontent over economic disparities and government corruption, created a highly charged environment.

The election campaign was fiercely contested. Kibaki, who had come to power in 2002 after the opposition united to overthrow the long-standing rule of Daniel arap Moi, faced accusations of broken promises and failure to deliver on reforms. Odinga, on the other hand, campaigned on a platform of economic justice, government transparency, and a reformed constitution.

The Disputed Results

On December 27, 2007, Kenya went to the polls in a general election. The counting process, however, was marred by irregularities. The results were slow to be announced, and many opposition leaders, as well as international observers, raised concerns about the transparency and fairness of the process. The Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK), led by Samuel Kivuitu, declared Kibaki the winner, with an official margin of around 200,000 votes.

Raila Odinga and his supporters immediately rejected the results, claiming widespread electoral fraud, particularly in areas where his support was strong. The tension surrounding the results boiled over when Kibaki was sworn in for a second term in a hastily organized ceremony, which further fueled suspicions of manipulation. The international community, including the United Nations, the European Union, and the United States, expressed concerns about the fairness of the election.

The Eruption of Violence

What followed was a full-scale eruption of violence that took the country by surprise. The protests began in the opposition stronghold of Kisumu and quickly spread across the country, including Nairobi’s slums and the Rift Valley. Mobs of protesters clashed with security forces, and the violence escalated into ethnic-based attacks, with Kikuyu communities being targeted in areas where they were considered outsiders, and vice versa.

Reports indicated that political and ethnic lines blurred as people’s loyalties were divided. The violence was brutal, with homes, businesses, and properties being looted, burned, or destroyed. In the Rift Valley, there were horrific accounts of killings, rapes, and forced displacements. People sought refuge in churches, schools, and other places, but even these were not always safe.

In total, it is estimated that more than 1,100 people lost their lives in the violence, while at least 600,000 were displaced. Thousands of women and children were affected, and the psychological and economic impact of the violence on Kenyan society was profound.

The Role of Political Leaders and the International Community

The political violence was exacerbated by the failure of leaders from both sides to calm the situation. While Kibaki and Odinga remained intransigent in their claims of victory and fraud, international pressure mounted for a peaceful resolution. The international community, led by former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, brokered a series of negotiations between Kibaki and Odinga.

In February 2008, after weeks of violence, the two leaders agreed to a power-sharing deal under the mediation of Annan. The agreement, known as the National Accord, saw Kibaki remain as president, but Odinga was appointed as the prime minister in a coalition government. This political settlement helped bring an end to the violence, but the wounds within the nation remained deep.

Long-Term Impact

The 2007-2008 post-election violence left a lasting scar on Kenyan society. It exposed the deep ethnic divisions that still persist and the shortcomings of Kenya’s political system, which often rewards ethnic loyalty over merit and national unity. The violence also sparked discussions on electoral reforms, leading to the establishment of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and the implementation of a new constitution in 2010, which aimed at decentralizing power and reducing the influence of ethnic factions.

Despite these efforts, political violence in Kenya has not disappeared. The 2013 and 2017 elections saw pockets of violence, though on a smaller scale. The legacy of the 2007 election continues to shape the nation’s political and social landscape, as Kenya strives to build a more inclusive and stable democracy.

Conclusion

The 2007 Kenyan election was a defining moment in the country’s history. It was a brutal reminder of the power of ethnic divisions in shaping political outcomes and the fragility of democratic processes. While Kenya has made strides in reforming its electoral system and strengthening democratic institutions, the scars of the most violent election in its history remain visible, challenging the country’s journey toward lasting peace and unity.