The sudden explosion in Kenya needs a more thorough analysis beyond just tribal and partisan political thoughts as circulated by the local and international media and forums. The raging violence is an expression of frustrations, betrayal of trust, broken promises and disappointments that has its roots on expectations and anticipations of the Kenyan people from the incumbent government – An expectation which has begun in 2002 based on an all-inclusive and broad based government. The 2007 election was a platform opportunity for the people to speak to its leaders.
There were unusually very low incidents of pre-election violence. Kenyans demonstrated maturity and respect for the electoral process. They performed their civic duty with civility and pride. They were speaking peacefully to each other and to their leaders in the hope that they will be heard. And many countries in African continent and the world rife with dictatorships and violence watched the conduct of Kenyan voters in admiration and hope to emulate their example. This been the 4Th real election since independence, Kenyans too had the highest hope for free and fair elections. They truly believed and trusted that there will be respect for their choices and voices having enjoyed relative political and social stability in the last decade albeit widened rich-poor gap and building of internal tensions.
In 2002, Kenyan voters overwhelmingly placed honorable Kibaki at the helm, irrespective of their tribal or group affiliations. They were eager to see change and opening of a new chapter in pursuit of democratic nation. Even as Kibaki was recouping from a devastating accident, opposition leaders who had no tribal association with Kibaki were aggressively campaigning for him – all for promises and agreement to deliver to Kenyans the democracy they yearned for many years and consequently trash the principles of dictatorial regime. Not only that but for the formation of an all inclusive and broad based government. The issue of tribe was not too relevant then.
With a landslide win, Kibaki’s 2002 presidential swearing was ensued by celebrations and ululations across the country from the port city of Mombasa to the beach of lake Victoria, from the shores of Lake Turkana to the foot of Ngong hills, from the banks of River Daua to the plains of Masai Mara. Many dignitaries were invited – African presidents, representatives from European Union, United States, Canada, African Union, United Nations and many international organizations. The attendance at Uhuru Park was estimated at well over a million. The National Anthem was sung - “…..Justice be our shield and defender. May we dwell in unity, Peace and liberty….” The national sword was handed over by former president Moi to wheelchair bound Kibaki. The nation was reborn.
What was left behind then? Twenty-four years of mysterious disappearances, burning of cities, gun butting of innocent citizens, siphoning of national coffers, roadside firings, face-smacking of the press, unmerited job appointments and grand corruption were becoming history. When Uhuru Park event was wound-up, Kenyans went about their businesses patiently waiting for democracy and a high flying optimism for a government that will represent them all equally. To many, this was the second liberation – first one being termination of the colonial rule in 1963.
Compare 2002’s election result and presidential swearing with 2007. The results were announced by physically shaken and terrified looking electoral Commission of Kenya (ECK) chairman Sam Kivuitu. None of his commissioners were on sight. The president was sworn in a matter of minutes in a secluded location in the presence of a handful of select loyalties and family members. Almost immediately, all live media coverage was banned by the security minister. Within minutes, fire and smoke engulfed the entire country; a shoot to kill fellow Kenyans was passed again by the security minister. And memories of Rwanda and Somalia were becoming so real within hours of announcing the results. Why will a state held with much esteem and pride so quickly degenerate to another deeply troubled equatorial African region?
