“There are decades when nothing happens; and there are weeks when decades happen.” — Lenin.
The geopolitical landscape in East and Central Africa is about to tilt as the regions powerhouse and economic giant, the Republic of Kenya, announced Dr Wiiliam Ruto as its new Leader today, the 15th day of August 2022. This is after the 9th August general elections. The country electoral body IEBC announced the new leader at 1700HRS EAT a day before the 7 days constitutional deadline. This was broadcast on local television and as expected, regional heads of states led by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed began sending their hearty congratulations to the President elect.
The particular political season was unspectacular with many instances of lackluster political campaigns and strategies particularly by Mr Odinga’s side. Interestingly, international political campaign strategy solutions providers were ominously missing in the political environment, an indicator of constrained and poorly funded campaigns. The campaign landscape was largely dominated by backstreet propaganda with zero efforts to win hearts and minds of the significantly liberalized public.
Deputy President William Ruto did put a brave show despite spirited attacks from his former friends at the Jubilee party, a giant political establishment that opted to crash and burn itself for no known reason. Ruto’s campaign was strategic, often pragmatic due to the high stakes and the ugly possibilities if he lost.
However, the political season remained stable, the first time in decades the country has avoided politically instigated inter-ethnic conflicts that often lead to displacement of persons. Such incidents often come about after the announcement of the Presidential results and the subsequent vicious contention, culminating to post election violence. So far the process has been smooth as transitional periods go, unlike the previous one which were hell.
Throughout the political season, various local pollsters in Kenya projected a Raila Odinga win. However, pollsters in Kenya have never made credible and reliable projections. This is largely factored by political bias, perhaps a case of endemic institutional corruption. However, Think Tanks did project a Dr. Ruto win and described the political situation in the country well enough.
The Kenyan Intelligence Service and the Military Top Command remained impartial and ensured the country remains safe throughout the often sensitive period. The security services have ensured the country transitions and remains a stable democracy.
Dr Ruto will take over from President Uhuru Kenyatta who has served for 10 years. President Kenyatta has left a legacy of unmatched – massive infrastructure development that has put the East African country on an economic pedestal.
