Kenya's presidential elections have set new standards for Africa

By: Jerry Okungu
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[ Posted On: 2008-01-13 ]

Never mind the fiasco that was the political primary nominations two months ago.

At that time, all political parties were bruised rather badly, however, with time, all that is now behind us as we gear up for the big prize in just three days.

With the stakes pretty high, the three main contenders are leaving nothing to chance. Though still in the race and looking pretty determined to go to the finishing line, all indications are that this is a two horse race with Kalonzo Musyoka coming a distant third when all the votes are counted.

Back in Ukambani, the Kalonzo Musyoka home ground, things are not looking rosy either for the self- confessed Mr. Clean. Though he would rather Kamba tribe vote three piece suit style as was the case in years gone by, his ardent supporters are defying him rather loudly for anyone who cares to hear. They are warning him against campaigning for any special candidate under ODM Kenya. They are telling him that this time round, they will vote for councillors and MPs of their choice.

As a pointer to how serious this year's elections will be, presidential candidates have thrown caution to the wind when it comes to wooing voters. This year has seen the ever reserved Mwai Kibaki join Muslims in a rare vote hunting expedition in Mombasa, where for the first time; he wore traditional Muslim attire before joining them for their Hajj celebrations. A few weeks later, Mwai Kibaki actually ventured into the sprawling Kibera slums probably for the first time in his entire life and certainly for the first time since he became President of the Republic of Kenya in December 2002.

Raila Odinga has upped the scales when it comes to traversing the expansive Rift Valley, North Eastern and some parts of Nyanza that he considers troubled areas. With Luo Nyanza in the bag, Raila is this time determined to bring along Gusi and Kuria votes into his presidential stable. By the look of things, it would appear like he is winning the hearts and souls of the Abagusi community despite Simeon Nyachae's presence which seems to be waning as we approach December 27.

In Rift Valley, if the combined influence of Sally Kosgei, William Ruto, Franklin Bett, Kipkalia Kones and ODM chairman Henry Kosgey is anything to go by, chances of Kibaki causing an upset are rather slim.

If the ratings of this week, which have followed a clear pattern of the last ten weeks, are an indication of the elections results, then Kibaki will come a strong second. As it is, Raila is leading in six provinces where he beats Kibaki hands down. These are Nyanza, Rift Valley, Western, Coast, North Eastern and Nairobi. Kibaki on the other hand comes second with at least 25% of the votes in six provinces namely: Central, Nairobi, Eastern, Rift Valley, Coast and North Eastern provinces. He beats Raila in only two provinces of Central and Eastern. Kalonzo on the other hand can only claim victory in Eastern Province where he beats Kibaki by three percentage points.

Though this year's campaigns have been marred by extreme violence and hate leaflets resulting in several deaths, the truth of the matter is that they have equally been extremely professional.

Yes, for the first time we have seen the largest deployment of professionals, spin doctors and creative companies churning out sophisticated media messages and press statements in support of their clients.

Despite this high octane campaign that has raised the level of public awareness like never before, the truth is that violent clashes in Mt. Elgon area, Kuresoi and Molo have dampened the spirit of Kenyans this Christmas season. If only the present administration could use its vast resources to stop these senseless killings, Kenyans would truly enjoy the drama that is this year's elections.

As we count the days to the D-Day, let us hope that violence in parts of the Rift Valley will subside. Let us hope that carnage on our roads will stop. Let us hope that the Police and the Provincial Administration will come to their senses and enforce the rule of law. Let us hope that the Nairobi City fathers will reconsider their political decision to allow hawkers to come back on our streets.

Let us remember that there will be life for Kenyans after the elections. This is the reason we cannot afford to throw sanity to the wind during these hectic and exciting times.

Article Source: http://www.afroarticles.com/article-dashboard

Jerry Okungu is a freelance political analyst based in Nairobi, Kenya. Jerry also serves as a Board Director at The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation. Jerry has written extensively on issues affecting Kenya and the rest of Africa over the years. Other articles written by Jerry Okungu are available at this location

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