Kenya Presidential Vote Loser Files Supreme Court Challenge
TimeDec 25, 2022
Kenya Election: William Ruto Sworn In As President After Close Vote
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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.
