Ten years after a disputed presidential poll brought Kenya to the brink of civil war, the August 2017 general election was won comfortably by President Uhuru Kenyatta. Although reforms introduced in the 2010 constitution have helped avert large-scale fighting, sporadic outbreaks of violence followed claims by opposition leader Raila Odinga that results had been manipulated. Ethnic divisions continue to be a key driver of electoral violence in Kenya and must be addressed by the government through reforms aimed at a more inclusive democracy. By engaging relevant actors and carrying out field-based research, we work at the national and local levels to build sustainable peace and to help advance reforms that can consolidate democratic gains.
Kenyan police have killed dozens of protesters since demonstrations against proposed new taxes began on 18 June. In this Q&A, Crisis Group expert Meron Elias explains the roots of the discontent and calls for meaningful dialogue with young people demanding accountability from the country’s leaders.
Unrest over finance bill morphed into wider, anti-govt protest movement, shaking President Ruto’s administration, as security forces violently repressed demonstrations.
Protests led to firing of govt and further domestic turmoil. After public-led, spontaneous demonstrations against controversial finance bill erupted nationwide in June, movement continued into July with biweekly protests across country to air grievances against, and often demand end to, Ruto’s govt. Ruto 11 July fired all but one minister from cabinet and vowed to set up “broad-based” govt. Numbers protesting decreased in following weeks but hundreds continued to take to streets. Security forces persisted with violently repressing protests and clashed with demonstrators, while press also remained vulnerable. Notably, journalist Catherine Wanjeri wa Kariuki shot three times by rubber bullets 16 July while covering protests in Nakuru county. National Commission on Human Rights same day said at least 50 people killed since protests began – including around ten in July – with over 400 injured, some 700 arbitrarily detained and dozens abducted. Police 23 July fired tear gas to prevent scuffles between protesters and govt supporters in capital Nairobi. Ruto next day gave four posts in new cabinet to opposition Orange Democratic Movement led by former PM Odinga, while reappointing around half of previous cabinet; protest movement figures criticised new govt as co-opting opposition instead of serving population’s needs and 25 July held march to commemorate those killed in demonstrations; police again detained several people.
Kenyan-led international security force continued to deploy to Haiti. 200 Kenyan police officers 16 July arrived in Haiti following first contingent’s landing in June; Kenyan and Haitian police next day patrolled in areas of capital Port-au-Prince abandoned by police for months. Doubts remained, however, over sustainability of mission.
Al-Shabaab-related insecurity persisted. Clash between Al-Shabaab insurgents and security forces 11 July left at least five militants and four police officers dead in El Wak area, Mandera county.
There is a perception [in Kenya] that democracy hasn’t delivered, that elites which had come to power through elections were not delivering.
Nous sommes préoccupés par le temps que le Kenya pourra consacrer à la politique étrangère et à la médiation régionale s'il est accaparé par tant de dossiers au niveau na...
In this episode of The Horn, Alan is joined by writer and political analyst Nanjala Nyabola to talk about the recent wave of nationwide protests in Kenya, their causes and their implications for the country and the region.
This week on Hold Your Fire!, Richard speaks with Crisis Group’s Africa director Murithi Mutiga about Kenyan President William Ruto’s visit to the U.S., Nairobi’s pivot West and Washington’s Africa policy.
The Kenyan president is the first African leader invited for a state visit to the U.S. in fifteen years. In this Q&A, Crisis Group expert Meron Elias examines what both sides hope to gain from a trip that comes amid sharpening geopolitical competition in Africa.
This week on The Horn, Alan is joined by Crisis Group’s Haiti expert Diego Da Rin and Africa Director Murithi Mutiga to discuss the surging gang violence in Haiti and how it affects the prospects of a Kenya-led mission to restore order in the country.
A series of failed rainy seasons in northern Kenya has sharpened competition among herders, farmers and conservancy owners for land and water, often resulting in bloodshed. Authorities should redouble aid to hard-hit areas and, with donor support, look for ways to encourage sharing of resources.
Climate change, politics and resource competition are colliding again in a deadly combination on Kenya’s fertile Laikipia plateau. Crisis Group visited the region and talked with herders and farmers about the devastating drought, the loss of cattle, the violence in the area and intercommunal tensions.
On 5 September, Kenya’s Supreme Court upheld Deputy President William Ruto’s victory in the 9 August presidential election. The decision concludes a hard-fought electoral campaign that, despite high stakes, was peaceful and transparent, showing the strength of the country’s institutions.
This week on The Horn, Alan is joined by Murithi Mutiga, Crisis Group’s Africa program director, to discuss the outcome of Kenya’s closely fought, high-stakes election.
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