PREMIUM 2027 violence alert: Annan report predicts high probability of chaos Politics Just now Listen

The report warns that a dangerous combination of rising political intolerance, ethnic mobilisation, economic hardship, youth frustration, weak public trust in institutions and increasing use of goons in politics is creating a recipe for chaos.

Although Kenya scores better than many countries considered highly vulnerable to election conflict, thanks to its relatively independent Judiciary, constitutional safeguards, vibrant civil society and improved electoral dispute resolution mechanisms, the report says these are increasingly being undermined by deep political divisions, unresolved grievances and growing scepticism about the neutrality of State institutions.

According to the report, Kenya’s elections have historically become volatile whenever highly competitive presidential contests intersect with ethnic politics, land disputes, youth unemployment and declining public trust in electoral institutions.