The 2007 Post-Election Violence in Kenya

The 2007 post-election violence in Kenya was one of the worst conflicts ever experienced in Kenya and remains a black spot in its democratization process. It resulted from the disputed results of the presidential election, where the Electoral ......

The 2007 Post-Election Violence in Kenya

The 2007 post-election violence in Kenya was one of the worst conflicts ever experienced in Kenya and remains a black spot in its democratization process. It resulted from the disputed results of the presidential election, where the Electoral Commission of Kenya declared Mwai Kibaki as the winner over Raila Odinga. Huge unrest, with great loss of life, property destruction, and dislocation of large populations, ensued on complaints of electoral fraud and manipulation. This paper reviews the triggers, consequences, and impact of the 2007 post-election violence, culled from different quarters to give an all-rounded analysis.

 Causes of the Violence

 The 2007 post-election violence in Kenya was the result of a complex interplay of historical, ethnic, political, and socio-economic factors, all of which combined to create a volatile situation that erupted following the disputed presidential election.

 1.    Historical and Ethnic Tensions

 A central starting point for the violence was Kenya's history of ethnic divisions. During the colonial period, the British administration put in place policies that greatly favored some ethnic groups over others concerning land ownership and access to resources. These were seen to be further entrenched by the successive governments that have manipulated ethnic identities for political gain. The Kikuyu, from whom President Mwai Kibaki comes, were seen as having been the main beneficiaries of state power and resources, while other communities, mostly Luo, Kalenjin, and Luhya, felt marginalized. These long-standing resentments were fueled by the course of the 2007 election, in which the battle between Kibaki and Raila Odinga, a Luo, was seen as a fight between ethnic tribes for ownership of the state.

 2.    Political Manipulation

 Political leaders in Kenya have historically exploited ethnic identities to mobilize support, often at the expense of national unity. In the lead-up to the 2007 election, both the Party of National Unity (PNU) led by Kibaki, and the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) led by Odinga engaged in rhetoric that played on ethnic fears and rivalries. The electoral campaigns were marked by accusations and counter-accusations of tribalism, with each side portraying the other as a threat to the interests of specific ethnic communities. This heightened the sense of insecurity among various groups and laid the groundwork for violence once the election results were announced.

 3.    Socio-Economic Inequalities

 Economic disparities also contributed significantly to the violence. Kenya’s economy has long been characterized by stark inequalities, with wealth concentrated in the hands of a few, primarily those in power and their close allies. The perception that the Kikuyu community, due to its association with the presidency, had disproportionately benefited from economic opportunities further fueled resentment among other communities. High levels of poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to basic services made the youth particularly susceptible to manipulation by political elites. In regions such as the Rift Valley, where land disputes were prevalent, these economic grievances were intertwined with ethnic tensions, leading to violent confrontations.

 4.    Institutional Weaknesses

 The failure of key institutions, particularly the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) and the judiciary, played a critical role in the outbreak of violence. The ECK, responsible for overseeing the election, was widely perceived as lacking independence and impartiality. Its decision to declare Kibaki the winner, despite widespread reports of irregularities and vote-rigging, led to an immediate loss of credibility. The judiciary, which was seen as corrupt and biased, offered little hope of a fair resolution to the electoral dispute, further exacerbating tensions. The police and security forces, rather than acting as neutral arbiters, were accused of using excessive force against opposition supporters, leading to further escalation of the violence.

 5.    Role of Youth and Militias

 The involvement of organized militias and the youth in the violence was another significant factor. In the Rift Valley, Kalenjin militias, motivated by historical grievances over land and a desire to reclaim territory from Kikuyu settlers, launched attacks on Kikuyu communities. In Nairobi and Central Kenya, the Mungiki sect, a Kikuyu militia, retaliated with violence against perceived opponents. Political leaders on both sides were accused of inciting and funding these groups to carry out attacks, turning the violence into an organized and deadly conflict.

 Progression of the Violence

 The progression of the 2007 post-election violence in Kenya was marked by a rapid escalation from localized protests to widespread ethnic conflict, resulting in severe humanitarian and socio-economic crises. The violence unfolded in distinct phases, each characterized by increasing brutality and involvement of various actors.

 1.    Initial Outbreak: Electoral Disputes and Protests

The violence began immediately after the Electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) announced Mwai Kibaki as the winner of the presidential election on December 30, 2007. The announcement, amid widespread allegations of vote rigging and electoral fraud, triggered protests across the country, particularly in urban areas such as Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa, where support for the opposition candidate Raila Odinga was strong. Initially, these protests were relatively peaceful, with demonstrators calling for a recount of votes or a re-run of the election. However, the heavy-handed response by security forces, who used live ammunition and excessive force to disperse crowds, quickly escalated tensions.

 2.    Widespread Ethnic Violence

 As the protests spread, they soon took on an ethnic dimension, with violence erupting in regions where long-standing ethnic tensions existed. The Rift Valley, a region with a history of land disputes between the Kalenjin and Kikuyu communities, became one of the epicenters of the violence. Kalenjin militias, motivated by historical grievances and political incitement, attacked Kikuyu settlers, burning homes, killing residents, and displacing thousands. In response, Kikuyu militias, including the Mungiki sect, launched retaliatory attacks against Kalenjin, Luo, and other perceived opponents. The violence in the Rift Valley was characterized by brutal ethnic cleansing, with entire villages being wiped out in what was effectively a battle for territorial control.

 3.    Urban Violence and Organized Militia Involvement

 In urban areas, particularly Nairobi, the violence was more complex, involving not only ethnic clashes but also criminal elements and political gangs. The Mungiki sect, which had strong ties to the Kikuyu community, became heavily involved in the violence, carrying out targeted killings, extortion, and other criminal activities under the guise of protecting Kikuyu interests. In Kibera and Mathare slums, rival ethnic groups clashed, leading to the destruction of property and the displacement of thousands of residents. The situation in these areas was exacerbated by the involvement of political elites who were accused of funding and arming militia groups to carry out attacks against their opponents.

 4.    State Response and Further Escalation

 The Kenyan government's response to the violence was initially slow and inadequate, contributing to the further escalation of the conflict. Security forces, particularly the police, were accused of being biased, often siding with the government and using excessive force against opposition supporters. Reports of extrajudicial killings, torture, and arbitrary arrests by security personnel were widespread, fueling anger and resentment among affected communities. The government's inability to control the violence or provide adequate protection to citizens further eroded public trust and allowed the conflict to spread to previously unaffected areas.

 5.    Humanitarian Crisis and Displacement

 The violence resulted in a massive humanitarian crisis, with over 1,100 people killed and more than 600,000 displaced from their homes. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) sought refuge in makeshift camps, churches, and police stations, where they faced dire conditions, including a lack of food, water, and medical care. The displacement crisis also had significant socio-economic impacts, as many of those affected were farmers and small business owners who lost their livelihoods. The disruption of agricultural activities in the Rift Valley, Kenya's breadbasket, led to food shortages and increased prices across the country.

 Consequences and Impact

 The 2007 post-election violence in Kenya had profound and far-reaching consequences that impacted the country’s social fabric, economy, and political landscape.

 1.    Humanitarian Impact

 The violence took more than 1,100 lives and saw over 600,000 people displaced. Families were divided, with surviving victims bearing deep physical and mental wounds. Women and children bore the largest proportion of the violence that exposed many to sexual and gender-based violence, including rape, assault, and forced circumcision. The displacement crisis opened many IDP camps, most of whose living conditions were deplorable including inhuman shelter, food, water, and medical care.

 Education was also disrupted, as schools were closed in the conflict zones, and most of the children who had fled the violence could not attend school because most of the facilities had been destroyed. The effects on the long-term education of such children were quite devastating, in that many did not recover the lost time and ended up dropping out, again creating a generation that was traumatized by the very conflict.

 2.    Socio-Economic Impact

 The economic consequences of the violence were severe, with widespread destruction of property, businesses, and infrastructure. The agricultural sector, particularly in the Rift Valley, known as Kenya's breadbasket, was heavily affected as farms were destroyed, livestock killed, and crops rotted. This led to food shortages and inflation, further exacerbating the economic hardship for many Kenyans.

 The tourism industry, a major source of revenue for Kenya, also suffered a significant decline as international tourists canceled their visits due to security concerns. The overall economic slowdown resulted in increased unemployment and poverty, particularly among the youth who were already vulnerable to economic marginalization.

 Additionally, the violence disrupted trade and investment, with many businesses forced to close or relocate. The cost of rebuilding damaged infrastructure and providing humanitarian assistance to IDPs placed a significant burden on the government's finances, diverting resources from other development priorities.

 3.    Political Impact

 Politically, the 2007 post-election violence exposed the deep ethnic divisions within Kenyan society and the fragility of its democratic institutions. The crisis highlighted the urgent need for political reforms to address the root causes of the violence, including electoral malpractices, ethnic polarization, and the concentration of power in the executive.

 The power-sharing agreement brokered by international mediators, which led to the formation of a coalition government between Kibaki and Odinga, marked a significant shift in Kenya's political landscape. The agreement, known as the National Accord and Reconciliation Act, created the position of Prime Minister and led to the establishment of a grand coalition government, which was tasked with implementing key reforms to prevent future conflicts.

 One of the most significant outcomes of the political reform process was the adoption of a new constitution in 2010. The new constitution introduced a devolved system of government aimed at reducing the centralization of power and addressing regional inequalities. It also established an independent judiciary and electoral commission, which were seen as crucial to restoring public confidence in Kenya's democratic institutions.

4.    Social Impact and Reconciliation

 The social fabric of Kenyan society was severely damaged by the violence, as ethnic mistrust and animosity deepened. Communities that had previously coexisted peacefully found themselves pitted against each other, leading to long-lasting social divisions. The violence also led to the stigmatization of certain communities, particularly the Kikuyu, who were often blamed for the conflict due to their perceived association with Kibaki's government.

 In response to the social impact of the violence, the Kenyan government, civil society, and international organizations initiated various reconciliation and peacebuilding efforts. The Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) was established to investigate the root causes of the violence and other historical injustices. However, the effectiveness of these efforts has been mixed, with many Kenyans feeling that justice has not been fully served, particularly for victims of sexual violence and those who lost their loved ones and property during the conflict.

 5.    International Impact and Justice

 The international community was instrumental during mediation processes in the crisis and in supporting recovery efforts within Kenya. The African Union, the United Nations, and various NGOs offered humanitarian assistance provided a conduit for the parties in conflict to discuss their differences, and further assisted in implementing political reforms.

 Investigations into the violence were consequently opened by the International Criminal Court (ICC), charging high-profile people, including then Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto, who later became President and Deputy President, respectively. The involvement of the ICC was a giant step in the process of ensuring accountability for atrocities that were meted out during the violence, although the cases were later dropped due to lack of sufficient evidence and alleged witness interference.

 Lessons Learned and the Way Forward

 The 2007 post-election violence in Kenya provided several critical lessons that continue to shape the country’s approach to governance, conflict resolution, and nation-building.

 1.    The Importance of Institutional Reforms

 Perhaps the key to the lessons learned from the violence is the need for robust, independent institutions to ensure respect for the rule of law and hold credible electoral processes. The inability of the ECK and the judiciary to resolve the electoral dispute in a non-partisan manner was a chief factor in the escalation of violence. This entailed the establishment of an Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), a restructured judiciary, and other posts to enhance transparency, accountability, and public confidence in such institutions.

 2.    The Need for Ethnic Reconciliation

 The violence brought into light deep-seated ethnic cracks within Kenyan society and the need for national reconciliation. What had been ignited was ethnic polarization, a very effective trigger of conflict, by political manipulation and historical grievances. Therefore, moving forward requires politicians to cultivate unity and inclusiveness rather than ethnic differences only for political mileage. Activities like the Truth Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC) and other peace-building processes should be enhanced to heal past wounds and take forward coexistence among Kenya's diverse communities.

 3.    Addressing Socio-Economic Inequalities

 The violence revealed the extent to which socioeconomic inequalities can fuel conflict. Economic disparities, particularly in regions like the Rift Valley, where land issues are a source of tension, must be addressed through equitable development policies. Land reforms, access to economic opportunities, and targeted poverty alleviation programs are critical to reducing the vulnerability of marginalized communities to manipulation and violence.

 4.    The Role of Civil Society and Media

 Civil society organizations and the media played a dual role during the violence—both as agents of peace and, at times, as purveyors of divisive rhetoric. The experience highlighted the need for responsible journalism and a vibrant civil society that can hold leaders accountable while promoting peace and dialogue. Training journalists on conflict-sensitive reporting and supporting civil society initiatives that promote human rights and democratic governance are vital for preventing future conflicts.

 5.    International Involvement and Accountability

 The international community’s role in mediating the crisis and supporting Kenya’s recovery underscored the importance of external actors in conflict resolution. However, the mixed outcomes of the International Criminal Court (ICC) cases also highlighted challenges in achieving justice and accountability. Moving forward, Kenya must strengthen its judicial mechanisms to ensure that those responsible for violence are held accountable, thereby reducing reliance on international bodies.

 6.    Political Will for Sustained Reform

 Finally, the violence demonstrated that political will is essential for implementing and sustaining reforms. While significant progress has been made since 2007, the long-term success of these reforms depends on the continued commitment of political leaders to uphold democratic principles, respect human rights, and address the underlying causes of conflict. The implementation of the 2010 constitution, which introduced devolution and other checks on executive power, is a step in the right direction, but ongoing vigilance and political engagement are necessary to ensure these gains are not reversed.

 The Way Forward

 Kenya’s journey since the 2007 post-election violence has been marked by significant strides in political reform, national reconciliation, and institutional strengthening. However, the country must continue to build on these gains to ensure lasting peace and stability.

 1.    Deepening Devolution and Inclusivity

 Devolution, as established by the 2010 constitution, has the potential to reduce ethnic tensions by decentralizing power and resources. Ensuring that county governments are adequately resourced and operate transparently is crucial for fostering inclusivity and addressing regional disparities. Continued efforts to empower local communities, enhance service delivery, and promote equitable development will help mitigate the risk of future conflicts.

 2.    Strengthening the Rule of Law

 Kenya must continue to strengthen its judiciary and law enforcement agencies to ensure that they operate independently and impartially. This includes addressing corruption within these institutions and ensuring that they are equipped to handle electoral disputes and other conflicts fairly. Building public trust in the judiciary and other institutions is essential for preventing violence and ensuring that grievances are resolved through legal channels rather than through violence.

 3.    Promoting Civic Education and National Unity

 Ongoing civic education efforts are necessary to foster a culture of peace, tolerance, and respect for diversity. Educating citizens about their rights, the importance of peaceful elections, and the dangers of ethnic polarization can help build a more cohesive society. Initiatives that promote national unity, such as inter-ethnic dialogues and cultural exchange programs, should be supported and expanded. 

4.    Ensuring Accountability and Justice

 Ensuring accountability for the crimes committed during the post-election violence is crucial for healing and justice. Kenya must continue to pursue accountability through both national and international mechanisms, providing justice for victims and setting a precedent that such violence will not be tolerated in the future. Establishing a credible and effective mechanism for addressing electoral disputes is also key to preventing future conflicts.

 5.    Engaging Youth in Peace-building

Given that a significant portion of the violence was carried out by disenfranchised youth, engaging this demographic in peacebuilding efforts is essential. Providing economic opportunities, education, and civic engagement initiatives for young people can reduce their vulnerability to manipulation by political actors and help them become active participants in building a peaceful society.

 Conclusion

 The 2007 post-election violence in Kenya was a tragic event that exposed the deep-seated ethnic and political tensions within the country. While significant progress has been made in addressing the causes of the violence through political and constitutional reforms, the journey toward lasting peace and stability is far from complete.

 Kenya has changed presidents since Mwai Kibaki, with Uhuru Kenyatta and now William Ruto taking office, reflecting the country's continued democratic process. However, the recent Gen Z protests signal ongoing discontent among the youth, particularly over issues like unemployment, economic inequality, and governance. These protests highlight the need for the government to address the concerns of younger generations and ensure that the reforms instituted post-2007 are implemented effectively and inclusively.

 While Kenya is doing many things right—peaceful handovers of power, the 2010 constitution—the challenges remain. That the ethnic tensions, political manipulation, and socio-economic disparities are still present to this day is an indication that a lot of work needs to be done if the 2007 violence is not to recur. Continued strengthening of democratic institutions, inclusive governance practices, and fostering of national cohesion remains a necessity in the realization of lasting peace and stability in Kenya. Unless the root causes of the conflict in Kenya are addressed, among them the grievances of the youth, then only can there be hope for any cohesive and prosperous society.