Electoral violence is on the horizon in Kenya

Al JazeeraCenterEN 4 min read 100% complete by Patrick GatharaJanuary 24, 2026 at 11:44 AM

AI Summary

long article 4 min

As Kenya approaches its 2026 general election, concerns are rising about potential electoral violence. The article argues that violence in Kenyan elections is often state-generated and linked to the credibility of the election and whether an incumbent president is running. Historically, significant violence occurred in elections where an unpopular incumbent sought re-election. While Kenya has made progress in strengthening institutions and electoral transparency since the 2007 election violence, these gains are now at risk. With President William Ruto seeking re-election, the article emphasizes the need for urgent steps to improve election credibility and enforce restraints on state actors to prevent violence. The reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has also been controversial.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Nairobi 40% Mwai Kibaki 50% 2010 Constitution of Kenya 50% 2007 Kenyan election ×260% Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) 70% William Ruto 70% Kenya ×590%

Keywords

electoral violence 100% kenya 90% general election 80% election credibility 70% incumbent re-election 70% political violence 60% independent electoral and boundaries commission 50% state actors 50% institutional restraints 40%