The disputed 2007 presidential election, won by Raila Odinga's Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) in polling but awarded by electoral commission to Mwai Kibaki's team, triggered the most severe violence in Kenya since independence. Kisumu County and the Nyanza region became epicenters of the conflict, with Luo communities experiencing both perpetration of violence and harsh state reprisal. The crisis forced national and international reckoning with Kenya's ethnic tensions and the fragility of its democratic institutions.
Key Facts
- The disputed result (December 27, 2007): Raila Odinga's ODM appeared to be winning in early tallies from the December 27 presidential election. However, the Electoral Commission suddenly halted the count and later announced Kibaki as the winner. The announcement came after Kibaki had been administered oath by the chief justice even as counting continued, suggesting predetermined outcome
- Raila's response: Raila disputed the result, calling the election "a coup through the ballot." He claimed the election had been rigged and called for mass protests and resistance
- Violence erupts: Over the next weeks and months, violence spread across the country. In Kisumu and Nyanza, Luo youth attacked Kikuyu-associated shops, burned property, and in some instances killed Kikuyu and other non-Luo residents whom they associated with Kibaki and election rigging
- Nyanza as epicenter: The violence was most intense in Kisumu, Kisi, and surrounding areas where Luo populations are concentrated. The Luo interpreted the election outcome and its announcement (despite apparent widespread support for Odinga) as a Kikuyu-led conspiracy to steal power
- Luo experience of violence: Luo communities experienced this period both as perpetrators and victims. Luo youth conducted retaliatory attacks on shops and individuals. However, Luo communities also suffered state reprisals when police and military forces conducted operations in Nyanza to suppress protests
- Broader national violence: The conflict spread beyond Kisumu to other regions. Inter-ethnic violence erupted in areas where communities had competing interests or historical grievances. Approximately 1,200 people died nationally and 600,000 were displaced
- Role of ethnic entrepreneurs: Political elites, media, and informal opinion-leaders used inflammatory ethnic rhetoric to mobilize communities. In the Luo context, narratives of historical exclusion and stolen elections motivated mass participation in violence
- Reconciliation (2008-2013): International mediation led by Kofi Annan and the creation of a power-sharing government with Kibaki as President and Raila as Prime Minister gradually reduced violence. A new constitution (adopted 2010) was meant to address grievances and prevent future electoral disputes
- Ongoing trauma: Many Luo communities lost family members, property, and sense of security during 2007-2008. Displacement, trauma, and grief remain part of the collective Luo experience even 15+ years later
Meaning for Luo Identity
The 2007-2008 violence reinforced narratives of Luo exclusion and victimization. It demonstrated that despite Luo educational achievement and political organization, the presidency remained inaccessible, and electoral competition could trigger existential threats.
See Also
Siaya County, Homa Bay County, Migori County, Tom Mboya, Raila Odinga, Oginga Odinga, Grace Ogot, Benga Music