Editor's note

Africa has no shortage of populist leaders who claim to represent their citizens. But do they? In light of the Kenyan Supreme Court decision to annul the recent presidential elections, Thompson Chengeta asks, who really speaks for the people? And as tensions rise about when, and possibly if, a new election will be held, fears are increasing that violence will escalate. Leighann Spencer provides a historical look at the legacy of political violence in Kenya.

After almost 60 years “King Kong”, the South African jazz musical, has made a comeback. It first toured the country’s major cities in 1959 before moving to London’s West End. Gavin Robert Walker explains why the timing of the latest production comes at an interesting time.

Julie Masiga

Editor

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Politics, populism and the law: who really speaks for the Kenyan people?

Thompson Chengeta, University of Pretoria

While Kenya's political leaders often adopt a populist approach to politics, it's not unimaginable that the courts could also pursue a populist path by claiming to speak for the people.

Kenya’s history of political violence: colonialism, vigilantes and militias

Leighann Spencer, Charles Sturt University

Elections in Kenya are never just a matter of casting ballots. Historically, they have been marred by ethno-political violence, exacerbated by vigilantes and militias deployed by politicians.

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