Kenyans have cast their ballots for a new leader in a fiercely-contested race that’s too close to call
About 22 million Kenyans registered to vote,Fondly known as “Baba” by Kenyans, he has pledged to set up social protection and a universal health care program called Although the election would bring about a change of administration, Ruto and Odinga’s affiliation with the present government does not necessarily provide a new political phenomenon, argues analyst Odhiambo. “Among the front runners, people are keen to balance between what is perceived as continuity and freshness within a continuity,” Odhiambo said.”Ruto is the deputy president and part of the current government. There’s a perception that Odinga could be an extension of the current president because of the support the president has given him.”What are the issues?Among the key pressing issues for the electorate is myriad economic problems ranging from growing debt to high food and fuel prices and mass youth unemployment.Parts of the country are also suffering from a debilitating drought that threatens to Ruto is from the Kalenjin tribe, and Odinga is from the Luo ethnic group.Both men traversed the country before wrapping up campaigns at the weekend and sought support from those outside their strongholds.Both candidates also chose their running mates from the Kikuyu — one of Kenya’s largest voting blocs — also known as the Mount Kenya region.Ruto is running alongside first-term MP Rigathi Gachagua while Odinga is on the ballot with former justice minister and one-time presidential aspirant Martha Karua.Karua will become Kenya’s first female deputy president If elected. Analyst Odhiambo says Odinga’s choice of running mate has excited women in Kenya.”There is a growing wave of support around women leadership which has been accelerated by Odinga’s choice of Martha as his running mate,” he said.Women represent 49% of Kenya’s registered voters, according to the country’s electoral commission. Only the Kikuyu and Kalenjin tribes have produced the country’s presidents and this is the first election where none of the leading candidates is a Kikuyu. No candidate from the Luo tribe has won a presidential election.
