A free, fair and peaceful election process in Kenya will consolidate democratic gains in the country and serve as a symbol for the rest of the continent.
What is remarkable about Kenya upcoming elections?
Kenya is one of Africa’s major democracies.
It goes to the polls on August 9, 2022, to elect the country’s 5th President, besides national lawmakers, governors and assemblies of its 47 counties.
The elections revolve around political dynasties, tribal power-brokers, and changing inter-ethnic alliances.
This time the leading contenders are Vice President William Ruto and the perennial challenger Raila Odinga.
In Kenyan politics, the Kikuyu, Luhya, Kalenjin and Luo are the four dominant tribes who have practically ruled the country since independence.
This is the first time since Kenya’s independence a Kikuyu has not emerged as the main presidential candidate.
Mr. Ruto is a Kalenjin, the third largest ethnic group, and Mr. Odinga is a Luo, the fourth largest ethnic group.
The two leading candidates have chosen running mates from the vote-rich Kikuyu ethnic group, the support of which could be vital in determining the outcome.
How alliances got changed over years?
Mr. Ruto had been President Uhuru Kenyatta’s running mate for the last two elections.
However this time Mr. Kenyatta has endorsed long-time rival Mr. Odinga who was the leading contender in the 2017 elections.
Their friendship began in 2018 when they declared a truce after post-election violence in 2017 and has lived up to the dictum that politics is the art of the possible.
This changing alliance has led to a considerable unpredictability in the outcome of this election.
On what issues the campaign revolves around?
Mr. Ruto has framed the elections as a contest between “hustlers” and “dynasties”.
Hustlers refers to those who struggle to make both the ends meet.
He has proposed a ‘bottom-up’ economic model in which the structure of the economy will be geared to help the common man.
Mr. Odinga’s campaign, on the other hand has imposed corruption allegations against Mr. Ruto during his time as Deputy President.
What issues will decide the election results?
Ethnicity
Economic issues
Inclusivity of all communities in government positions
Foreign debt
How Kenya Elections are similar to that of India?
Democratic values, pluralism and the rule of law are important for both countries.
Much like caste-based politics that has remained centre stage in India’s political landscape for decades, ethnic politicking is common in Kenyan politics.
How does the Indian diaspora fit into this election activity?
In 2017, Kenyans of Indian descent were officially recognised as the 44th tribe in Kenya because of their contribution to the country since independence.
However, there is no candidate of Indian origin contesting for the presidential election.
Nonetheless, there are a few candidates of Indian origin in some constituencies running for parliament.
It is difficult to gauge who the Indian diaspora may support in the presidential elections.
Why Kenya is important for India?
India and Kenya has a long history of political, economic and cultural relationships forged between the two countries.
Kenya serves as a gateway to the wider Indian Ocean Region.
Kenya’s friendship is important to India to curb China’s growing aspirations in the region.
Also, India faces a number of security threats in the backdrop of a dramatic rise of piracy and terrorist activities in the region.
Kenya has a vibrant community of Persons of Indian Origin presently numbering 80,000, including 20,000 expatriates.
Indians in Kenya are a successful community who favour a closer bonding between the two countries.
