The handshake was hailed as the antidote for post-election violence. Now, one side to the symbolic gesture that would have been a patriotic precursor to national reconciliation is promoting pre-election violence.
The other side to the amity is disenchanted with what is increasingly playing out as a deliberate, but poorly executed attempt to subvert free and fair elections, even in mini-contests. The other side is studiously silent in the face of substantiated concerns about regression of hope, abuse of human rights, and subversion of democratic ideals.
Abuse of security agencies, and the embedment of police in civilian contests stand out like a sore thumb — the same way they did in 2007, 2013, and 2017. The most memorable images from the 2007 General Election remain those of armed General Service Unit officers surrounding the Kenyatta International Convention Centre for reasons that were known to the Mwai Kibaki power cabal.
Similar police deployment was seen around Bomas of Kenya, the National Vote Tallying centre during the 2013 and 2017 elections.
Security forces exist to serve the people and not the interests of those bent on succession conspiracies.
ODM leader Raila Odinga spoke candidly about the subversion of hope that inspired the handshake.
“What we have witnessed in the by-elections in Bonchari and Juja is an abuse of police powers and an arrogant display of impunity by a few overzealous and bellicose government functionaries. An election process is an opportunity for the voters to express their will at the ballot, and not an avenue to pursue imaginary and short-legged political interests,” Raila said.
The brotherhood that inspired the historic handshake is wavering. The silence of President Uhuru Kenyatta, a principal in national reconciliation and stability beyond his fractious presidency, raises doubts about his commitment to the promises of the handshake.
Observers are blaming it on panicky vested interests around the Executive: The power cabal is divided and groping in the dark, uncertain of the security of its vested interests beyond regime change elections due next year.
Recent parliamentary and county assembly by-elections do not speak of a sincere plan to demilitarise elections, promote national reconciliation, and end greed-inspired violence before and after elections.
The signs are ominous. The signals of possible pre- and post-election conflicts are foreboding echoes of a shameful history of election bungling, and outright burglary of democracy.
ODM candidate in the Bonchari by-election Pavel Oimeke was intimidated by a police trail that denied him the chance to address planned meetings. Kisii Governor James Ongwae’s home was raided in what looked like ‘orders from above’. How far up the orders came is open to speculation.
There were also cases of people driving unmarked cars trailing the governor, who was elected by about one million voters. The Abagusii saw the affront as contempt for their leadership.
Kisii Woman Rep Janet Ong’era was trailed by two vehicles as she drove to her home. The precision of her driver won over the police chase. Ongera was supposed to be locked up for a crime she did not commit.
ODM national treasurer Timothy Bosire had his hotel room at Ufanisi Resort surrounded by dozens of police officers to stop him from joining team Oimeke on Election Day.
ODM ward reps were arrested because they were perceived to be influential.
ODM Youth League Officials were also arrested. Many Orange party agents were also arrested. The deployment of thousands of police officers, including two water cannons used in Nairobi during demonstrations, were echoes from the past.
The heavy deployment of police in Bonchari and Juja to intimidate candidates and voters raises doubts about the regime's commitment to free and fair elections. The President must reprimand the owners of these orders if he hopes to secure his legacy.
