On Friday, August 12 at 19:30 GMT:
Government in Kenya are tallying hundreds of thousands of votes solid in a basic election that may make a decision who would be the nation’s subsequent president.
The 2 main applicants to prevail President Uhuru Kenyatta are deputy president William Ruto and opposition chief Raila Odinga – who has Kenyatta’s public backing following a well-publicised rift along with his lieutenant.
Reputable effects from the Unbiased Electoral and Limitations Fee (IEBC) are anticipated inside per week of the August 9 election. However Kenyan media have already printed differing tallies, sparking confusion amongst other folks worried for a outcome. To win, a presidential candidate should safe greater than part the vote and a minimum of 25 % of ballots solid in 24 of Kenya’s 47 counties.
All over a marketing campaign season that from time to time descended into mud-slinging between Ruto and Odinga, the opponents every sought to persuade Kenyan electorate that they’re your best choice to take on a number of demanding situations dealing with the rustic. Electorate expressed fear concerning the ever-increasing value of dwelling and prime unemployment amid financial inequality, to endemic political corruption. The rustic has been battered by means of drought, whilst public debt has soared to greater than two-thirds of GDP.
Amid well-liked voter apathy, turnout on August 9 was once method down at the earlier election held in 2017. And whilst maximum consideration is at the two main presidential applicants, within the ultimate days of campaigning there have been indicators of a past due swell in public reinforce for a 3rd candidate, George Wajackoyah. If that backing interprets into votes, Wajackoyah may deny Odinga and Ruto the brink they should succeed in to steer clear of an unparalleled 2nd spherical of vote casting.
Whilst maximum media consideration was once at the race for the presidency, grassroots politicians struggled for wider popularity. Within the run-up to election day feminine applicants reported abuse that ceaselessly escalated into bodily assault – additional complicating efforts to spice up ladies’s illustration.
On this episode of The Movement, we’ll have a look at what would possibly lie forward for Kenya as the rustic awaits a last election outcome.
On this episode of The Movement, we’re joined by means of:
Patrick Gathara, @gathara
Political commentator
Shikoh Kihika, @Shikohkihika
Founder, Tribeless Adolescence
Bina Maseno, @BinaMaseno
Director, Badili Africa Organisation