Victims of the 2007/08 post-election violence (PEV) from Kenya’s Rift Valley region have rallied behind Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, opposing calls for his impeachment. The internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the Rift Valley, a region deeply affected by the post-election violence that rocked Kenya over a decade ago, have expressed staunch support for Gachagua, urging political leaders to stop divisive tactics that risk further destabilizing the country.
During a prayer meeting held in Nakuru, the group, led by Peter H. Tena, the patron of the Kenya Internally Displaced Persons Association (KIDPO), made their position clear: they would stand by the Deputy President until his five-year term alongside President William Ruto runs its course. This show of solidarity comes as Gachagua faces increasing political pressure and threats of impeachment from some quarters, with certain elected leaders calling for a motion to remove him from office.
The IDPs, who have a unique perspective on Kenya’s tumultuous political landscape, fear that the country may be slipping into the same dangerous divisions that sparked the 2007/08 violence. Their statement is not only a defense of Gachagua but also a plea for national unity and a rejection of the divisive politics that have resurfaced in the wake of recent political wrangling.
Historical Context: 2007/08 Post-Election Violence
To fully understand the gravity of the IDPs’ position, it is crucial to revisit the events of the 2007/08 post-election violence. After the disputed presidential election results in December 2007, Kenya was engulfed in a wave of ethnic and political violence. The violence claimed over 1,100 lives, displaced hundreds of thousands, and led to significant destruction of property, particularly in regions like the Rift Valley, which bore the brunt of the unrest.
Many of the displaced individuals, who lost their homes and livelihoods, have since struggled to rebuild their lives. While some IDPs were resettled, many continue to feel the lingering effects of that tragic period in Kenya’s history. The events of 2007/08 remain a painful chapter for the country, and any sign of a repeat of the political and ethnic divisions that led to the violence is a source of deep concern for the victims.
It is within this context that the IDPs’ support for Deputy President Gachagua must be understood. For them, the current political climate bears unsettling similarities to the environment that preceded the 2007/08 violence, and they are determined to avoid a repeat of that dark period.
Calls for Unity and Caution Against Impeachment
The IDPs’ call to halt attacks and threats against Gachagua is not solely about supporting the Deputy President; it is also a plea for political leaders to focus on uniting the country rather than sowing seeds of division. Peter H. Tena, speaking on behalf of the IDPs, criticized a section of Mount Kenya leaders who have been vocal in their opposition to Gachagua, accusing them of attempting to fracture the political unity of the region for personal gain.
Tena emphasized that Gachagua has been the target of “careless attacks and threats” aimed at undermining his position, not because of his performance as Deputy President, but because of political maneuvering by figures who wish to weaken the current administration. The IDPs argue that these attacks are part of a broader strategy to divide communities in the Mount Kenya region, creating a political vacuum that other leaders hope to exploit.
In response to threats of impeachment, the IDPs were unequivocal in their support for Gachagua. They urged elected leaders to desist from such divisive actions, warning that impeachment would not only destabilize the government but could also lead to deeper ethnic and political rifts in the country. They argued that the people who voted for President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in the 2022 election gave them a five-year mandate, and that mandate should be respected and allowed to run its course.
Political Infighting in Mount Kenya Region
The political drama surrounding Deputy President Gachagua is particularly intense in the Mount Kenya region, where several elected leaders have openly expressed dissatisfaction with his leadership. The Mount Kenya region, which has traditionally been a stronghold of political influence, is now witnessing growing infighting among its leaders, with Gachagua at the center of the controversy.
Some leaders from the region have accused Gachagua of failing to effectively represent the interests of the Mount Kenya people in government. These criticisms have fueled calls for his impeachment, with certain factions within the ruling coalition suggesting that Gachagua’s removal would be in the best interest of the region and the country as a whole.
However, the IDPs and their supporters reject these claims, arguing that the push for impeachment is motivated by personal political ambitions rather than legitimate concerns about governance. They believe that Gachagua has been unfairly targeted by a faction of leaders who are more interested in positioning themselves for future political opportunities than in serving the people who elected them.
A Warning Against Divisive Politics
One of the key messages from the IDPs during their meeting in Nakuru was a warning to political leaders not to repeat the mistakes of 2007. They drew parallels between the current political climate and the events that led to the post-election violence, urging leaders to focus on building bridges rather than deepening divisions.
“We are seeing the same patterns that led to the violence in 2007,” said one of the IDP leaders. “Politicians are playing dangerous games with the lives of ordinary Kenyans. We must not allow history to repeat itself.”
The IDPs are particularly concerned about the growing ethnic polarization in the Mount Kenya region, which they fear could spill over into other parts of the country. They warned that any attempts to divide the people of Mount Kenya from the rest of Kenya would have disastrous consequences, not just for the region but for the entire nation.
The Role of the Church and Civil Society
In their bid to support Gachagua and call for national unity, the IDPs have also reached out to religious leaders and civil society organizations to play a more active role in promoting peace and stability. They called on the church to lead efforts to bring political leaders together and mediate the growing tensions between factions within the ruling coalition.
Religious leaders have historically played a crucial role in Kenya’s political process, particularly during times of crisis. The IDPs believe that the church, alongside civil society, can once again serve as a moral compass for the country, reminding political leaders of their responsibility to serve the people rather than their own interests.
Looking Ahead: A Call for Peaceful Governance
As Kenya navigates its post-election period and the challenges of governing a diverse and sometimes divided country, the voices of the 2007/08 post-election violence victims serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of peace, unity, and responsible leadership. The IDPs’ unwavering support for Deputy President Gachagua is not just about political loyalty; it is about safeguarding the future of a country still healing from the wounds of its past.
The group’s message to political leaders is clear: the time for divisive politics is over. Kenya cannot afford to be torn apart by power struggles and personal ambitions. Instead, the focus must be on delivering on the promises made during the election campaign, fostering national unity, and ensuring that the country remains stable and prosperous for all its citizens.
In the coming months, as the political landscape continues to shift, it remains to be seen whether the calls for unity from the IDPs and other concerned citizens will be heeded. What is certain, however, is that the specter of 2007/08 looms large over Kenya’s political discourse, and the lessons of that dark period must not be forgotten.
