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.
Protests subsided amid govt restrictions, anti-Al-Shabaab operations continued, and international police mission to Haiti remained challenging.
Demonstrations faded although political tensions stayed high. Nationwide protests against proposed finance bill that began in June and morphed into wider anti-govt movement gradually reduced throughout month. Decline partly due to authorities’ restrictions, notably, police 8 Aug closed major roads in capital Nairobi and fired tear gas to disperse few dozen protesters gathering as new cabinet sworn in; govt pressure on media groups may also have stymied local reporting during Aug. Political tensions, however, remained high over direction of President Ruto’s govt; court 2 Aug paused parliamentary nominations to selection panel which will choose electoral commissioners – part of concessions to protesters – after complaint from opposition Azimio coalition politician who was replaced as nominee. New finance minister John Mbadi 18 Aug said some tax proposals would be re-introduced while MPs 25 Aug began debate on controversial bill restricting protests. Meanwhile, Ruto 29 Aug said he was not aware of any abductions during finance bill demonstrations; rights groups reported dozens.
Attacks bearing Al-Shabaab hallmark persisted in north east. Gunmen 10 Aug killed driver for govt official in Kamor area, Mandera county, in attack authorities blamed on Al-Shabaab. Security forces continued anti-militant operations including 5 Aug in Garissa, Mandera and Wajir counties and 15 Aug in Fafi district, Garissa, that killed two suspected Al-Shabaab members.
Kenyan police continued mission in Haiti. 400-strong force – expected to eventually total 1,000 – carried out more joint patrols and targeted operations near their base in Haitian capital Port-au-Prince (see Haiti). But challenges persisted including limited resources, uncertain funding, salary payment issues and need for reinforcements, including from other countries.
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...
As South Sudan contends with a prolonged political and economic crisis, Kenyan mediators are attempting to broker an agreement between the country’s government and exiled opposition leaders. In this Q&A, Crisis Group expert Daniel Akech assesses how the talks are progressing.
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.
Receive the best source of conflict analysis right in your inbox.
This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Review our privacy policy for more details.