Kenya: Primary elections marked by irregularities, arrests

Event

Kenya's primary elections, which took place between April 13 and April 30, were reportedly marked by violence and numerous irregularities. According to a statement issued by the State Prosecutor’s office on Wednesday, May 3, 62 people - including a candidate for the position of governor, two members of local assemblies, and a deputy - have been charged with electoral offenses following chaos and violence at party primaries. Those arrested are suspected of illegal possession of electoral material, voter corruption, and incitement to violence, among other charges. The prosecutor's statement also said that a team of 135 prosecutors is on standby to deal with hate speech and incitement to violence cases to ensure a "secure environment for a free, fair and peaceful election."

In addition to these issues, the primary elections’ results are reportedly disputed in many constituencies. Hundreds of complaints were allegedly lodged with the special courts set up by the political parties running for the elections. President Uhuru Kenyatta has called on his party officials to accept the results.

The US State Department has warned its citizens in Kenya to avoid all gatherings and demonstrations through August due to the heightened risk of violent unrest. The presidential election is scheduled for August 8.

Context

In Nairobi, one person was killed and another seriously injured during clashes between rival candidates. Similar violent scenes were reported in Migori and Busia (west), both fiefs of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), the opposition party lead by Raila Odinga. In Kisumu County, security forces reportedly used teargas to disperse hundreds of protesters that erected roadblocks and burned tires following the announcement of the county's election results on April 26. The Kenyan National Police Service has announced plans to recruit 10,000 additional police officers ahead of the August 8 presidential elections.

Presidential elections in 2007 were marred by violence, resulting in an estimated 1200 deaths. Protests after elections in 2013, in which there were claims of fraud after many of the electronic voting systems failed, resulted in several deaths.

Meanwhile, Kenya has more recently experienced increasingly frequent bouts of sociopolitical and socioeconomic unrest, sectarian tensions, and intercommunal violence. The country has witnessed major demonstrations by public and private sector workers, as well as by opposition parties in recent months. Security forces often use a heavy-handed approach in quelling protests.

These mounting tensions are compounded by ongoing drought conditions and associated difficulties. Kenya is one of several East African nations, including South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia, that are suffering from two below average rainy seasons, leading to food shortages and livestock deaths across the region. The current drought is said to be the worst in the past five years.

Advice

Individuals in Kenya are advised to avoid all public gatherings (particularly polling stations or political events) due to the likelihood of violence and to monitor developments to the situation.

On separate note, due to the significant terrorist threat, individuals present in Kenya are advised to remain vigilant, to report any suspicious objects or behavior to the relevant authorities, and to be particularly cautious when visiting sites deemed particularly likely to be targeted in an attack (government buildings, places of worship, tourist sites, etc.).