Insights & Lessons from the Annulled Presidential Election in Kenya
Regarded as a bombshell in Africa, the ruling by the Supreme Court of the Republic of Kenya that nullified the outcome of the presidential election set a judicial precedence. Though such a ruling was unexpected in a country and continent known for the disregard of the rule of law, it fundamentally altered the politico-legal architecture in view of the political and governance institutions.
The brand of politics in the Republic of Kenya is characterized by ethnic fundamentalism with the presidential elections profoundly described as periodic ethnic census. Indeed, nothing could be further from the truth.
Since the dawn of independence, all the four presidents have had one common dubious distinction; prioritizing ethnic interests at the expense of nationhood and unity. The former presidents and the incumbent have religiously practiced and perfected the art of political exclusion and economic marginalization of the ethnic communities that do not have their tribal gods in government.
Fast forward, as the country prepares for a fresh presidential election to be held on October 17th, it is vitally important to revisit the underlying facts, fallacies and myths in regard to the annulled presidential election.