Chapter 9: The Year 2013 – Ballots, Bullets, and the Battle for Kenya's Soul
The year 2013 began with a mixture of hope and apprehension. Kenya stood at a historic crossroads—ready to hold its first general election under the new constitution. The memories of the 2007–2008 post-election violence still haunted the nation, but there was a collective determination to prove that peace could prevail where chaos once reigned.
In the small village where John Mankind lived, the air was thick with anticipation. His father spoke often about the coming elections, his voice steady but cautious. "This time," he said, "we must vote with wisdom, not anger." The family gathered around the radio each evening, listening to campaign speeches and promises that painted visions of a better Kenya.
The General Elections and Political Transition
On March 4, 2013, Kenyans went to the polls in one of the most complex elections in the country's history. It was the first under the 2010 Constitution, introducing six elective positions—from president to county representatives—reflecting the new system of devolution.
The Jubilee Alliance, led by Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto, faced off against Raila Odinga's Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD). The campaigns were intense but largely peaceful, a sign that the nation had learned from its painful past.
When the results were announced, Uhuru Kenyatta was declared the winner with 50.51% of the vote—just enough to avoid a runoff. Odinga challenged the results in the Supreme Court, citing irregularities and failures in the electronic tallying system.
For weeks, the country held its breath. Then, in a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court upheld Kenyatta's victory. Odinga accepted the decision, calling for peace and unity. The gesture spared Kenya from another descent into violence.
The elections also marked the birth of 47 county governments, each with its own governor and assembly. For the first time, power was shared across the nation, not concentrated in Nairobi. It was a new dawn for local governance—a promise of inclusion and accountability.
The ICC Cases
Even as the new government took shape, the shadow of the International Criminal Court (ICC) loomed large. Both President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto faced charges of crimes against humanity for their alleged roles in the 2007–2008 post-election violence.
The cases became a defining feature of the political landscape. The Jubilee coalition framed the trials as foreign interference, rallying supporters around a message of sovereignty and unity. The image of the two leaders standing side by side—one in The Hague, the other in State House—symbolized both defiance and division.
For many Kenyans, the ICC represented justice long delayed; for others, it was a reminder of wounds that had yet to heal.
The Westgate Shopping Mall Attack
On September 21, 2013, terror struck at the heart of Nairobi. Four armed militants from Al-Shabaab stormed the Westgate Shopping Mall, an upscale complex filled with families, shoppers, and foreigners.
Gunfire echoed through the corridors as the attackers began a meticulous vetting process, separating Muslims from non-Muslims. Those who could not recite Islamic prayers were executed on the spot. The siege lasted 80 hours, turning a place of leisure into a battlefield.
By the time it ended, 71 people were dead—62 civilians, five Kenyan soldiers, and the four gunmen. Among the victims were the Ghanaian poet Kofi Awoonor and the President's nephew. Over 200 others were injured.
The nation watched in horror as live broadcasts captured the chaos. The response by security forces was disorganized, marred by confusion and even friendly fire between the police and army. Later, reports emerged of looting by some soldiers, deepening public outrage.
Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility, calling the attack revenge for Kenya's military presence in Somalia. The tragedy exposed deep flaws in intelligence and coordination, raising painful questions about whether the massacre could have been prevented.
In the days that followed, Kenya mourned together. Candlelight vigils filled the streets, and prayers rose from churches and mosques alike. The nation's grief was heavy, but its unity in mourning was profound.
Other Events and Challenges
The government's 2013/14 budget projected revenues of Kshs 1,027.2 billion, reflecting ambitious plans for growth and infrastructure. Yet, the optimism was tempered by persistent security threats, especially in coastal and northern regions, where sporadic violence and smaller terrorist attacks continued.
In Eastleigh, Nairobi's bustling Somali neighborhood, grenade attacks and police raids became part of daily life. Fear and suspicion grew, straining the delicate fabric of coexistence.
Still, amid the uncertainty, Kenya's democratic institutions showed resilience. The peaceful transition of power, the functioning of county governments, and the continued implementation of the constitution marked real progress.
The Child and the Nation
By the end of 2013, John Mankind was eight years old. He had learned to read the headlines in the old newspapers his father brought home from the market. He saw pictures of the new president, the burning mall, and the faces of those who had died.
He asked his mother, "Why do people hurt each other?" She looked at him for a long moment before replying, "Because they forget that we are one people."
In school, John learned about the new counties, the constitution, and the meaning of peace. His teacher told the class that Kenya was still young, still learning how to live with its freedom.
That night, as the family sat by the fire, his father said, "We have chosen our leaders, but now we must choose our hearts. Peace is not given—it is built."
The flames flickered, casting long shadows on the walls. Outside, the wind carried the scent of rain, and somewhere in the distance, thunder rolled once more.
Kenya had survived another test—scarred, shaken, but still standing.
End of Chapter 9 – The Year 2013: Ballots, Bullets, and the Battle for Kenya's Soul