The post-election violence that erupted after Kenya's disputed 2007 presidential election significantly affected Asian businesses. Widespread looting, arson, and destruction targeted properties across Kenya, including many owned by Asians. The violence highlighted Asians' economic prominence and vulnerability.
The 2007 Election Crisis
Following the disputed presidential election results of December 27, 2007, Kenya erupted in inter-ethnic violence. The incumbent President Mwai Kibaki (Kikuyu) was declared winner, but opposition candidate Raila Odinga (Luo) disputed the results, claiming fraud. Violence between ethnic groups broke out, with particular intensity in Western Kenya, the Rift Valley, and slums around Nairobi.
Targeting of Asian Businesses
During the violence, Asian-owned businesses and properties were specifically targeted for looting and arson. Shops, factories, warehouses, and other commercial properties owned by Asians were attacked. The targeting reflected a few factors: Asians' economic wealth and visible commercial presence, ethnic politicians' rhetoric blaming minorities and foreigners for Kenya's problems, and opportunistic looting masked as political violence.
Economic Losses
The losses experienced by Asian businesses were substantial. Some Asian entrepreneurs lost entire livelihoods. Factories were damaged, inventory stolen, cash registers emptied. Insurance coverage was often inadequate. The violence caused significant economic setback for the Asian community and for Kenya's broader economy.
Government Response and Protection
Government response to protect Asian businesses and persons was inadequate. Police and military forces were often unable or unwilling to prevent violence. Some local authorities were perceived as complicit or indifferent to violence against Asians. The lack of protection exposed how vulnerable Asians were despite their economic importance.
Psychological Impact and Insecurity
Beyond economic losses, the violence had profound psychological impact. The targeting of Asians revealed that their economic success and Kenyan citizenship did not provide security. Asians realized that in moments of political chaos, they could become targets. Many questioned whether they should remain in Kenya.
Emigration Wave
The post-election violence triggered another wave of Asian emigration. Some who had maintained options emigrated, taking their capital and skills abroad. Some who had been undecided about staying left Kenya. The community lost members during the crisis.
Recovery and Rebuilding
After the violence subsided (following the post-election power-sharing agreement of early 2008), Asian businesses gradually recovered. Government and international aid supported economic recovery. Some Asian entrepreneurs used the crisis as opportunity to diversify or relocate businesses. Recovery was uneven: some businesses never recovered; others adapted and prospered.
Lessons and Ongoing Vulnerability
The 2007-2008 violence taught Asians that economic importance does not guarantee political security. Ethnic politics could mobilize communities to target minorities. Some Asians became more politically cautious, seeking to maintain lower profiles. Others invested in relationships with political leaders or in securing property abroad as insurance.
2017-2018 and Recurring Violence
The post-election crisis of 2017-2018 (following the August 2017 and October 2017 elections) again saw Asian businesses targeted, though with less severe violence than 2007-2008. Bidco and other Asian businesses were boycotted. The recurrence demonstrated that Asians' vulnerability is structural, not circumstantial.
Ongoing Insecurity
As of 2026, the memory of post-election violence remains vivid. Asians remain cautious about political upheaval. Many have maintained or acquired properties abroad. Insurance and security arrangements are robust. The violence normalized the idea that Asians should plan for periodic episodes of targeted violence.
See Also
- Racism Against Asians Kenya
- Kenyan Asians Overview
- The Question of Belonging
- Asians at Independence
- Bidco Africa
- Asian Response to 2007-2008
Sources
- Wikipedia: "2007-2008 Kenyan post-election violence" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007%E2%80%9308_Kenyan_post-election_violence)
- Human Rights Watch reports on 2007-2008 violence
- OpenEdition: "Kenya in Motion 2000-2020, Minorities of Indo-Pakistani Origin" (https://books.openedition.org/africae/2590?lang=en)