Annulled Election and Violence

Kenya’s August-October 2017 elections became the country’s most contentious since 2007’s post-election violence (1,200+ dead), featuring the first African Supreme Court annulment of a presidential election, a boycotted re-run, and deadly police crackdowns killing 100+ opposition supporters.

President Uhuru Kenyatta narrowly defeated opposition leader Raila Odinga 54%-45% in the August 8 election. NASA (National Super Alliance) opposition coalition claimed massive rigging. On September 1, the Supreme Court made historic ruling: annulling results due to “irregularities and illegalities” in vote transmission, ordering fresh election within 60 days.

The October 26 repeat election saw Raila boycott, citing unchanged electoral commission personnel. Kenyatta won 98% with 39% turnout—internationally questioned legitimacy. NASA held mock “People’s Assembly” inauguration for Raila, prompting government treason threats.

Police killed dozens of opposition protesters in Nairobi’s Kibera slum and Kisumu—Raila’s Luo ethnic strongholds. Human Rights Watch documented extrajudicial killings, sexual violence, and arbitrary arrests. Unlike 2007’s ethnic militia violence, 2017 saw primarily state security forces targeting civilians.

In March 2018, Uhuru and Raila shocked observers with a “Handshake” reconciliation—Building Bridges Initiative pursuing constitutional reforms. The unexpected detente ended immediate crisis but left accountability unaddressed and institutional reforms incomplete.

Sources:
BBC Africa, The Guardian, Al Jazeera, Human Rights Watch, Kenyan courts