Kenya’s Political Turmoil

What is the issue?

• Incumbent president ‘Uhuru Kenyatta’ is holding on to power, despite allegations of widespread violence & poll rigging. 
• His election has been challenged for the second time in the courts, which is only bound to deepen the crisis.

What was the turn of events?

• The Kenyan presidential election was initially held in August and the incumbent President ‘Kenyatta’ emerged vicotorious.
• But the results were declared void by the courts due to various discrepancies in electioneering.
• This mandated a re-run in October which was boycotted by the opposition who argued that discrepancies persisted.
• As the results of the re-run have also been challenged in Court, the political turmoil is only expected to intensify.

What is the ground scenario?

• The judicial ruling against the August vote was unprecedented and was widely hailed as an exemplar of judicial independence.
• Subsequently, President Uhuru Kenyatta has amended the electoral laws to suit his interests, which was vehemently opposed.
• The masses have also been initimidates and restless, thereby leaving no possibility for a fair poll.
• Quitting of top election officials due and mysterious deaths of high functionaries also highlights the the extent of intimidation.
• Also, when a plea was filed to postpone the presidential re-run, most judges didn’t show-up for the fear of threats.

How does the future look?

• While the verdict of the latest legal challenge is uncertain, absence of a genuine contest might lead to declaring the results void.
• As the GDP forcasts have shown big dips in growth, the social cost of this current uncertainity can be immense.
• Politicians from both the ruling & opposition camps owe moral responsibility for the current situation and need to find a truce.
• Way Foward - Negotiating a lasting settlement is necessary and the 2010 constitution should be followed in letter & spirit.
• Monopoly of power enjoyed by the Kikuyu and the Kalenjin tribes must end and larger decentralisation should be taken up.
• African Union must exert political pressure to prevent the escalation of the crisis beyond Kenya’s borders.
• Strengthening the election mechanism against political interference would be an important first step in this reagrd.

Source: The Hindu