In the next 48 hours 22.1 million Kenyans are set to choose the country’s fifth president, the successor to incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Despite the attention paid to the high-profile presidential race, voters in each of the 47 counties will also vote for county governors, parliament representatives, and other lower-level positions.
On August 9, Kenyans go to the polls to choose between Raila Odinga and Martha Karua of Azimio la Umoja on the one hand and William Ruto and Rigathi Gachagua of Kenya Kwanza on the other.
The two teams are diametrically opposed in terms of political careers, personal histories, ideology, interpretation of history, and vision.
The two made their final submissions yesterday at Nyayo and Kasarani Stadiums in a last-ditch effort to lure voters.
Negative campaigning, tactic charges of manipulation, and a goodie spree for supporters who have been showered with umbrellas, groceries, and cash for attending rallies have dominated the campaign for votes.
After months of frantic campaigning across the huge country, the two candidates launched their final push in Nairobi, where they addressed thousands of flag-waving fans.
Ruto has stated that the handshake created a system that enabled State capture making it possibly easy for corruption to thrive.
During his final appeal to Kenyans at Nyayo National Stadium, Ruto highlighted that his government has the best interest and a plan on fighting corruption and one that can dare fight State capture.
“The handshake created a system that caused those in executive and those in opposition to work together against people of Kenya and that is why money meant for the sick with Covid-19 was stolen at KEMSA, by collusion of those in government and those in opposition and told us they will investigate,” he said.
Ruto further has committed to uphold the Constitution if he wins the general election.
“Today we are witnessing history. They said we will not be here in 2022 but here we are, they said we will not be in the ballot but we are in the ballot. I want to tell the people of Kenya that we will overcome. Enough is enough and freedom is coming,” he said.
On the other hand, Odinga vowed to shake the hands of his opponents if he wins or loses.
Speaking during his last submission at Kasarani Stadium, Odinga said there is a choice of the promised land, though the land of bondage is also within sight.
“I want to assure Kenyans that I will continue with this handshake doctrine, the doctrine of unclenching the fist. For the sake of Kenya, I will shake the hand of my rivals and pay the political price if I have to,” he said
Odinga further noted he has seen Canaan in sight and urged his multitude of supporters to turn up in large numbers on August 9 and cast their votes to ensure he, alongside his running mate Martha Karua, ascend to the presidency.
“We are soon entering Canaan and there is a rule we will have to observe. In Canaan, we must embrace reconciliation. We cannot get to Canaan, a divided nation that is half bitter and half happy. In my government, there will be no revenge. I pledge to be the president of all. I have made this decision because I did not choose my liberation cause. The liberation cause chose me,” he said.