By: Isaac Kwabena Boadu Date: 22nd October, 2025
In December 2007, Kenya plunged into chaos following the disputed presidential election, which saw incumbent President Mwai Kibaki declared the winner over opposition leader Raila Odinga. The outcome sparked widespread violence, with Odinga’s supporters alleging electoral manipulation.
The violence that erupted was intense, with clashes between police and opposition supporters, as well as inter-ethnic fighting. Over 1,100 people lost their lives, and hundreds of thousands were displaced. The international community condemned the violence, and calls for mediation grew.Former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan led the mediation efforts, bringing together Kibaki and Odinga to negotiate a power-sharing agreement. After weeks of talks, the two leaders signed the National Accord and Reconciliation Act on February 28, 2008. The agreement established a coalition government, with Kibaki as President and Odinga as Prime Minister.
Raila Odinga played a crucial role in the crisis and its resolution. As the leader of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), he mobilized Kenyans to demand electoral justice. Despite allegations of orchestrating violence, Odinga maintained that his supporters’ actions were a response to the government’s brutality.As Prime Minister, Raila Odinga worked to implement reforms and promote national reconciliation. His efforts in the 2007-2008 crisis have been recognized by Kenyan leaders, including President William Ruto, who praised him as a guiding light in Kenya’s democratic journey. The power-sharing agreement brokered by Kofi Annan helped stabilize the country, paving the way for reforms and a new constitution in 2010.
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