Kenya Election: William Ruto Sworn In As President After Close Vote

Image copyright: AFP/Getty Images [via NBC News]

The Facts

  • William Ruto was sworn in as Kenya's new president on Tues. after narrowly winning the generally peaceful Aug. 9 election. He vowed to be a president for all Kenyans, regardless of their voting decisions.

  • Following weeks of political uncertainty, Kenya's Supreme Court on Sept. 5 upheld the disputed election of William Ruto as the country's new president in a unanimous decision.


The Spin

Pro-establishment narrative

With the decision of the Kenyan Supreme Court, the country has indeed lived up to its reputation as a relative bastion of democracy and the rule of law in East Africa. But respect must also be paid to Odinga since a candidate's political and democratic maturity is particularly evident in defeat. Thus, he can certainly be considered a model of political dignity even beyond Kenya.

Establishment-critical narrative

In all this drama one thing must not be forgotten: as in many places around the world, "democracy" in Kenya has degenerated into a mere symbolic act of voting. This election is no exception - it's merely a facade in which power-hungry alleged representatives of the people play a rigged game, and it's paramount to recognize this reality.


Establishment split

CRITICAL

PRO

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