“One of the most disturbing developments in Kenya over the last two years has been the eruption of violent clashes between different ethnic groups. However, far from being the spontaneous results of a return to political pluralism, there is clear evidence that the government was involved in provoking this ethnic violence for political purposes and has taken no adequate steps to prevent it from spiralling out of control. So far, Africa Watch estimates that clashes have left at least 1,500 people dead and 300,000 displaced. If action is not swiftly taken, there is a real danger that Kenya could descend into civil war.”
That quotation comes from a 1993 Human Rights Watch publication, but it seems to be talking about the current situation in Kenya, with post-election violence having left around 1,500 people dead. Now research by the Independent Medico-Legal Unit on the causes of death has revealed that 43 percent of examined bodies had gunshot injuries in the head, abdomen and chest. The implication is that a disproportionately high percentage of victims were killed by police, presumably following an agenda which was not limited to peace keeping.
The victims of violence in political power struggles are nearly always the poor – those considered by the ruling elite to be expendable. The lives of people who have little influence can safely be sacrificed, especially if they are likely to have voted for the wrong party.