Winter term is normally a quiet time here in the Admissions office. With 1L exams underway, and with 2Ls and 3Ls engrossed in various projects or courses, campus activities by and large come to a halt. However, in light of the chaos surrounding Kenya’s December 27th Presidential Election, the Human Rights Program invited Visiting Fellow and native Kenyan Joseph Mwaura to speak about the political situation, the contexts of the violence, and the media frenzy.
“It’s a shame,” said Mwaura, “Kenya has done well economically and socially with its cohesion. It had become the pride of Africa, the beacon of hope.” Since its independence and during the restoration of democracy after a 24-year dictatorship in 2002, Kenya maintained stability under the leadership of popular incumbent President Mwai Kibaki. Still, according to Mwaura, the economic gap between the rich and the poor has widened over time, and Kenyan communities have become wary of the credibility of government institutions that have long neglected their need for schools and hospitals.
“When the election results were questioned, Kibaki didn’t back down because he didn’t want to look like a coward… he did not follow the law, he followed his anger and has lost much respect,” said Mwaura. The aftermath of what most believe was a rigged election has only fueled the anger and tension that existed among tribes during the campaign. “The fact that the government has allowed protests is reckless,” said Mwaura. “There are of course genuine electoral protestors who feel violated of their right to vote fairly… but you also have the tribal protestors who only want to kill, displace, and seize property.”
As a way forward, Mwaura recommended pressure on the Kenyan government to own up to rigging the election and schedule fresh elections and negotiations. “Both sides are still fighting and there are accusations on both sides of genocide, the images of which are plastered by the media encouraging more violence. We need to restore peace, trust, and confidence.”
