Uhuru Kenyatta was announced the winner of the 4th of March Presidential elections – and although the process is not entirely finished – he is likely to be installed as the newly elected President. Violence was largely contained. Concerns on the transparency of the process were voiced and the Supreme Court has asked for a limited recount in response to the appeal process launched by opponent, Raila Odinga.

Fears that the past elections would seriously damage Kenya’s economic development have not materialized as the economy boomed after 2007. The economic engine of Eastern Africa and one of the continent’s anchors for stability was confronted with violent internal political and social dynamics that brought the country to the brink of implosion. It took international mediation and crucially domestic political dynamics to deliver a power sharing government. In the 5-year period a new Constitution and electoral system were also installed to reinforce safeguards. These measures have had seemingly little impact on voting patterns that confirm tribalism as the main engine of Kenyan politics. Tribalism and access to land form a combination with remaining high potential for violence.

The outcome also presents a challenge as to the ongoing case of the ICC prosecution against the future President of Kenya. It presents an obvious issue for Western countries that have outspoken quite clearly on the issue but given Kenya’s regional role that might become complicated. The case has also proven somewhat politically useful as a cause for nationalist rallies defending Kenya’s sovereignty.

This Africa Briefing will address these outstanding issues and political developments in Kenyan society with expert presentations and a Q and A with the audience.

PROGRAMME:
- Introduction
- Presentation by the speakers
- Q&A

Chair:

Jean-Christophe Hoste, Research Fellow, Africa Programme, Egmont Institute

Panel:

• David Anderson, Professor of African History, University of Warwick
• Emmanuel Kisiangani, Senior Researcher Conflict Prevention and Risk Analysis Division Institute for Security Studies

Event venue:
Palais des Académies (salle Prigogine)
1, Rue Ducale, 1000 Brussels

The working language will be English and this meeting is under Chatham House rules.

SWP, February 2013