Polls open in Kenyan presidential election said to be tight
Independent
The Facts
In Kenya, East Africa's main economic hub, more than 22M registered voters were called on Tues. to elect the country's fifth president since independence, as well as a new parliament and county governors.
While four candidates are running for office, current Deputy Pres. William Ruto and serial presidential candidate Raila Odinga are reportedly locked in a tight race to succeed Pres. Uhuru Kenyatta.
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.
