Silencing the choirmasters

Expanding on the meaning of legitimacy, this chapter considers the mediation process in Kenya in 2008 following post-election violence. The importance of civilian counterbalance and the role that civil society can play in this is reiterated. This can occur even in the absence of a direct place at the negotiating table. In terms of representation, the mediation team and Kofi Annan especially were found to be particularly legitimate. Moreover, a solid communication structure enhanced legitimacy through transparency. Such communication involves different forms of self-expression, changing the very agency of the population in the construction of legitimate processes.