Politics

Kenya to Elect New President

Published AUG 9 2022

Story

Image credit: AFP/Getty Images [via The Guardian]

The Facts

In Kenya, East Africa's main economic hub, more than 22M registered voters were called on Tues. to elect the country's fifth president since independence, as well as a new parliament and county governors.
DW
While four candidates are running for office, current Deputy Pres. William Ruto and serial presidential candidate Raila Odinga are reportedly locked in a tight race to succeed Pres. Uhuru Kenyatta.
CNN
Kenyatta, who is constitutionally barred from running again after serving two terms, backed his longtime political rival Odinga in the campaign after falling out with his former ally and deputy Ruto.
France 24
Odinga, a member of the center-left Orange Democratic Movement, pledged to introduce a social welfare and healthcare plan. Meanwhile, Ruto, a member of the center-right United Democratic Alliance, has appealed to the youth and promised to prioritize the economy.
Time
To win the presidential race on the first ballot, candidates must secure more than half of the valid votes cast and at least 25% of votes in at least 24 districts. The results are expected by Aug. 16.
Bloomberg.com
The elections come at a time of continued rising unemployment and spiraling costs of living, following the COVID pandemic and supply shortages caused by the war in Ukraine.
guardian

Sources Split

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The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

Kenya's presidential elections, in which candidates compete democratically while the incumbent president leaves office as required by the constitution, are an impressive testimony to a vibrant democracy. The two term limit - which protects democracy and stability - along with a peaceful transfer of power, would see this election serve as a model for the entire region.

Africa Center

Establishment-critical narrative

As in many places around the world, "democracy" in Kenya has become a mere symbolic electoral act that lacks the hard political work needed to actually improve people's lives. This election is no exception; it's merely a facade in which corrupt representatives of the people take the stage.