Why Kenya’s 2022 Presidential Elections will be determined in First Round

Kenya will hold a General Election on August 09th 2022. Top Presidential contenders include Deputy President William Ruto and ODM leader Raila Odinga.

Just like the previous two elections, there will be no run-off as there’s no other third person with nationwide support other than Ruto and Raila.

Opposition Leader Raila Odinga has a long history of contesting for presidency and this will be his fifth stab for the top job. Deputy President William Ruto will be vying for presidency for the first time and is likely to give the doyen of opposition politics a run for his money.

DP Ruto enjoys massive support from the underprivileged courtesy of his ‘Hustler’ narrative, which resonates well with the lower echelon. Ruto will vie on a UDA ticket. 

The second in command has upset the status quo by snatching President Uhuru Kenyatta his support base due to the latter’s dalliance with Raila. Selling Raila in Central Kenya has been a herculean task and has significantly reduced Uhuru’s influence in his own backyard.

ANC Party Leader Musalia Mudavadi, Ford Kenya’s Moses Wetangula, DP’s Justin Muturi and CCK’s Moses Kuria have joined hands with Ruto in unholy coalition christened ‘Kenya Kwanza’.

On the hand, Raila is supported by Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, NARC’s Charity Ngilu, MCC’s Alfred Mutua, NARC Kenya’s Martha Karua and DAP-K’s Wafula Wamunyinyi among other small parties sanctified ‘Azimio – Okoa Kenya’ alliance.

Raila is also supported by seasoned political titans of yesteryears such as Dr Mukhisa Kituyi, Kivutha Kibwana, Fred Gumo, Dr Noah Wekesa and Cyrus Jirongo.

Who will be the next President of Kenya? 

The next president of Kenya will either be Raila Odinga or William Ruto. The winner will be determined after the final vote count.

It seems like the contest will be too close to speculate on who will carry the day. However, pollsters indicate that Ruto is way ahead of his closest rival Raila.

But Raila enjoys State machinery with State House operatives oiling his campaign machinery. The indomitable scion of Jaramogi has an upper hand, owing to his proximity to the powers-that-be. If the so called Deep State does its miracles, then Raila is likely to carry the day and become the fifth President of Kenya.