Elite Performances in Crisis: Navigating Uncertain Terrain following Kenya's Disputed Elections

The 2007 disputed election in Kenya led to a two-month post-election crisis resulting in approximately 1,400 deaths and the displacement of over 600,000 people. A decade later, the nation faced another contested election in 2017, reigniting tensions without reaching the same violence levels as in 2007. This research explores the performances of political elites following disputed elections, examining how they navigate these critical junctures in the absence of solidified political power. The study conducts an in-depth analysis of Kenya's political elites' immediate responses to election results using a unique political performance analysis method. This approach focuses on the nuanced elements of staging, body language, speech, and interactions exhibited by elite actors, aiming to unveil their intended communication and shed light on the claims they make. The research investigates the norms, rules, and practices embraced or rejected by these elites, providing insights into the complex ways in which their agency is expressed or constrained during critical junctures. The paper argues that despite apparent resistance between incumbents and the opposition, both sides in these critical periods employ different methods in their performances, yet remarkably share similar representative claims (Saward, 2010). Contrary to the 'institutionless' narrative (Chabal and Daloz, 1999) oft dominating analyses of Kenyan and broader African politics, both opposition and government performances consistently position themselves as representatives of the public and defenders of official institutions and rules, while simultaneously undermining the other's claims. This highlights the dynamics of Kenya's elite leadership and its evolution over time. Supplemented by interview data from observers and participants in such political performances, this method enhances understanding of the motivations and behaviours of political elites. It provides valuable insights into the essential claims these elites communicate to national and international audiences during critical junctures, shedding light on factors that empower or restrict them. Importantly, this versatile research method can be applied beyond election disputes and Kenyan politics to yield insights in diverse contexts.