The deputy President William Ruto, 55, known as “hustler-In-Chief” and Raila Odinga, 77, fondly call “Baba” by Kenyans, stand head-to-head in the two-horse race, Here is what to know about the two men, one of whom will be President
About 22 million Kenyans are heading to the polls Tuesday in crucial elections as outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta prepares to hand over power to a new leader.
The 22 million Kenyans have registered to vote, the country’s electoral body (IEBC) said, and polls opened from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time (11 p.m. ET Monday to 10 a.m. ET Tuesday).
Voters across the country began queuing as early as 2 a.m. local time in some locations, according to local media.
READ ALSO Prevention Or Cure: What You Must Know About Killer Marburg Virus
Betrayal Of Kwame Nkrumah: Drama, Pains of Coup, Death of Ghana’s Leader
Walking The Talk To Become Ghana’s Next President!, By Francis Kokutse
JUST IN: Tanzania Police Release Kizz Daniel, Continue Probe
FAPEF Names Adeola Yusuf Panelist for Africa Economic, Financial Forum
Analysts say the race is close with neither of the leading candidates polling significantly higher than the other. If no candidate wins more than 50% of the vote, the election will go into a run-off for the first time in Kenyan history.
Who are the main candidates?
Tuesday’s presidential election, according to opinion polls, is considered a two-horse race between Deputy President William Ruto, 55, and veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, 77.
Odinga is a businessman and politician who served as prime minister of Kenya for five years following the disputed presidential election of December 2007 that resulted in widespread protests and violence, leaving more than 1,000 people dead.
Odinga is part of Kenya’s political dynasty; his father Jaramogi Oginga Odinga was the first vice president of independent Kenya.
He earned a master’s degree in mechanical engineering in East Germany in 1970 and was a one-time lecturer at the University of Nairobi after his studies abroad.
He is participating in the poll for the fifth and final time, he says after failing at his four previous attempts.
Odinga has received the backing of former rival President Kenyatta, who overlooked his deputy Ruto for the top job.
Fondly known as “Baba” by Kenyans, he has pledged to set up social protection and a universal health care program called Babacare for poor households. Free education up to college level is also part of his plans.
This might be Odinga’s year, says political reporter and analyst Moses Odhiambo.
“There’s a feeling that whichever side the government seems to lean on, wins. If you borrow from opinion polls, then Raila has an advantage,” Odhiambo told CNN.
Odinga’s main opponent, Ruto, describes himself as the “Hustler-in-Chief,” citing his humble beginnings as a chicken seller who fought his way to one of Kenya’s highest political offices.
former teacher who holds a doctorate in Plant Ecology from the University of Nairobi, has adopted a populist “man-of-the-people” approach, designed to capture Kenya’s largest voting bloc — the youth.
And he appears to be succeeding, veteran political analyst Herman Manyora told CNN: “Ruto has excited the youths … almost in a euphoric sense. That might help to make them turn out and vote.”
Ruto has pledged to prioritize Kenya’s economy and “uplift ordinary citizens” if elected president.
“There is a world of difference between me and my competitor. I have a plan, he doesn’t,” Ruto says of Odinga.
Ruto was also tried alongside Kenyatta in 2013 at the International Criminal Court in the Netherlands for alleged crimes against humanity following the 2007 election violence. However, the charges were later thrown out.
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.”
SOURCE: CNN
