Kenyan turnout key in close presidential election
PBS NewsHourJUL 2022
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Kenya's presidential elections, in which candidates compete democratically while the incumbent president leaves office as required by the constitution, are an impressive testimony to a vibrant democracy. The two term limit - which protects democracy and stability - along with a peaceful transfer of power, would see this election serve as a model for the entire region.
Establishment-critical narrative
As in many places around the world, "democracy" in Kenya has become a mere symbolic electoral act that lacks the hard political work needed to actually improve people's lives. This election is no exception; it's merely a facade in which corrupt representatives of the people take the stage.
