Lest We Forget! Key Lessons For Kenyans From 2007-08 Post Election Violence 

NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 17, 2022- Kenya was plunged into a crisis in 2007 after disputed presidential elections. 

The violence that ensued killed over 1,000 people and displaced over 600,000.

 It was a shocking time that left a lasting scar on the country.

 It also left valuable lessons for Kenyans about the dangers of violence and the importance of peace.

One of the main lessons that Kenyans can learn from the 2007-2008 post-election violence is the need for credible elections. 

This is because the violence was sparked by allegations of electoral fraud. 

There were accusations that the results were manipulated in favor of the incumbent president, Mwai Kibaki. 

The issue of trust in the electoral process is therefore critical for any country. 

It is necessary to have a transparent and impartial electoral agency that can manage the process without any bias or prejudice. 

Also, it’s essential to have a proper legal framework in place to govern electoral disputes and ensure that citizens have a legitimate avenue to challenge election results through the courts.

The second lesson that Kenyans can learn from the post-election violence is the need for effective policing. 

The police force was widely criticized for its inability to control the violence and to protect citizens. 

There were instances of police brutality, and the force was often accused of taking sides. 

This failure highlighted the need for reforms both in the police force and the justice system to create a more accountable and impartial police service.

Another key issue that emerged during the violence was the role of politicians. 

Many have argued that the violence was fueled by tribalism and ethnic division, which were stoked by politicians to gain power.

 Politicians must, therefore, appreciate that their words and actions have far-reaching consequences, and they must avoid inflaming tensions in the country for their interests.

In conclusion, the 2007-2008 post-election violence remains a significant event in the history of Kenya. 

However, it also provides an opportunity for Kenyans to learn from the past and to avoid similar crises in the future. 

The key lessons that citizens and politicians must learn are the importance of credible elections, the need for effective policing, and the danger of stirring up tribal divisions. 

If these lessons are taken into account, Kenya can move forward as a peaceful and stable democracy.

The writer, Angela Wangechi is a passionate journalist dedicated to uncovering the truth about human rights, security, and governance. With years of experience under her belt, she has a sharp eye for detail and an unwavering commitment to exposing the injustices that often go unnoticed.Whether she is covering protests in the streets or conducting in-depth investigations behind closed doors, she is always on the forefront of the fight for truth and justice.