2007 Kenyan elections

2007 Kenyan elections
Election name	2007 Kenyan elections
Country	Kenya
Election date	27 December 2007
Previous election	2002 Kenyan general election
Next election	2013 Kenyan general election

2007 Kenyan elections The 2007 Kenyan elections were a nationwide set of contests held on 27 December 2007 for the presidency, National Assembly, senate (not yet reinstated), and local offices. The polls occurred amid intense rivalry between major figures from Nairobi, Kisumu, Mombasa, and the Central Province, producing disputed outcomes that precipitated a national crisis involving political leaders, ethnic groups, and regional organizations. The events drew attention from bodies such as the African Union, United Nations, European Union, and neighboring states including Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia.

Background and political context

By 2007 Kenya's political landscape had been shaped by the 2002 defeat of the Kenya African National Union and the rise of the Orange Democratic Movement and the Party of National Unity. Prominent figures included Mwai Kibaki, Raila Odinga, Uhuru Kenyatta, Kalonzo Musyoka, and William Ruto. Historical tensions traced back to the Mau Mau Uprising, the presidency of Daniel arap Moi, and debates over the constitutional reform process. Regional politics involved actors such as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development and the role of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa in economic discussions. Electoral disputes were influenced by land controversies tied to the land question and by legacies of the Nairobi Pipeline scandals and corruption cases like those involving the Goldenberg scandal.

Electoral system and key parties/candidates

The presidential election used a first-past-the-post plurality with a requirement for over 50% to avoid a runoff, while parliamentary elections used single-member constituencies. Major parties included the Party of National Unity, the Orange Democratic Movement, the Kikuyu nationalist movements, and smaller parties like the Safina Party and the Forum for the Restoration of Democracy–Kenya. Key presidential contenders were Mwai Kibaki (incumbent), Raila Odinga (ODM leader), Martha Karua (legal activist), and Wamalwa Kijana, with running mates including Kalonzo Musyoka. Influential politicians such as Joseph Nyagah, Musalia Mudavadi, Chester Boromoko and local elites from Rift Valley Province and Western Province mobilized constituencies. Civil society organizations like the Orange Democratic Movement-Kenya affiliates and the Law Society of Kenya monitored legal aspects.

Campaigns and major issues

Campaigns revolved around allegations of corruption, ethnic politics, land reform, and poverty reduction promises tied to the Vision 2030 strategy. Rallies in Uhuru Park, Kibera, and Mathare saw participation from youth wings, trade unions such as the COTU, and student bodies from University of Nairobi. International interest included statements from the United States Department of State, the European Commission and observers from the Commonwealth of Nations. Media outlets like the Daily Nation, The Standard, and Kenya Broadcasting Corporation covered alleged vote-rigging claims and inflammatory rhetoric by political aides linked to figures such as Nick Salat and campaign directors from both camps.

Voting process and results

On 27 December, voters queued at stations across Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and rural constituencies in the Eastern Province and Nyanza Province. The Electoral Commission of Kenya announced results that declared Mwai Kibaki the winner with a figure contested by the Orange Democratic Movement. The announcement led to immediate accusations from international observers including teams from the European Union Election Observation Mission and the Commonwealth Observer Group alleging irregularities. Recounts and requests for documentation were made by representatives from Odinga's campaign and by legal teams referencing statutes from the Judiciary of Kenya. Parliamentary seat tallies showed fragmented outcomes with several constituencies in dispute.

Post-election violence and crisis

Following the disputed declaration, violence erupted in urban centers and rural communities, notably in Nairobi's Kibera slum, Molo, and Naivasha, with clashes between supporters aligned with leaders like Raila Odinga and Mwai Kibaki. Ethnic dimensions invoked groups from the Kikuyu, Kalenjin, Luo, and Luhya communities. Humanitarian crises prompted interventions from NGOs including Kenya Red Cross Society and international agencies such as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Incidents included forced displacement, property destruction, and reports examined by investigators from the International Criminal Court and other legal entities reviewing alleged crimes against humanity.

International and domestic responses

Domestic mediation involved religious leaders from the National Council of Churches of Kenya and the Fellowship of Christian Churches, civic forums such as the Kenya Human Rights Commission, and figures like Kalonzo Musyoka attempting shuttle diplomacy. International actors including Kofi Annan representing the African Union led mediation efforts culminating in talks hosted with delegates from South Africa and support from the United Kingdom and United States. Sanctions and diplomatic pressure were discussed in capitals like Washington, D.C. and London, while envoys from the European Union monitored developments. The International Crisis Group and other think tanks produced analyses and policy recommendations.

Aftermath and political reforms

Negotiations resulted in a power-sharing accord that created a Government of National Unity and the office of Prime Minister of Kenya occupied by Raila Odinga with Mwai Kibaki as president, later influencing constitutional reform processes leading to the adoption of the 2010 Constitution of Kenya. Reforms targeted the Electoral Commission of Kenya resulting in its overhaul and the eventual establishment of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. Legal and institutional changes addressed devolution, the creation of county governments, and anti-corruption measures involving bodies such as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission. The crisis reshaped Kenyan politics, affecting subsequent contests including the 2013 Kenyan general election and prompting ongoing debates within regional forums like the East African Community.

Category:Elections in Kenya