Boycott, protests and anxiety as Kenya returns to polls
NAIROBI: Kenya stands at a dangerous crossroads ahead of a presidential election Thursday, with opposition leader Raila Odinga refusing to take part and even the country’s electoral chief casting doubt on the poll’s credibility.
The opposition has called for daily mass protests, including on election day, fueling anxiety over the outcome of an election called after the Supreme Court overturned the result of an August vote.
The annulment, based on irregularities in the electronic transmission of votes, was hailed as an opportunity to deepen democracy in a country plagued by disputed elections.
But the re-run has instead been dogged by chaos and acrimony.
Top diplomats and observers have excoriated both Odinga and President Uhuru Kenyatta for divisive handling of the post-election crisis instead of searching for a path to a free and fair election.
“Kenya is a critical player in regional commerce; and a respected member of the comity of nations. Such credentials must not be soiled by power-hungry politicians,” wrote the Daily Nation in an editorial, accusing both sides of playing “hardball.”
It is more than two months since Kenyans first went to the polls.
The peaceful vote quickly turned sour as Odinga called foul early on in the counting process, charging the election had been rigged in favor of Kenyatta who won with 54 percent.