Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission chairman Wafula Chebukati has asserted that voter turnout in the country has significantly decreased from the previous presidential election in 2017.
In contrast to the 2017 elections where voter turnout was close to 80 per cent, voter apathy was rife before the elections, especially among the country’s youth who make up the majority.
According to the IEBC’s provisional data, approximately 65.4 per cent, or 14.1 million of the 22.1 million registered voters cast their votes.
“The commission expects the number to go up in due time as some areas that missed on voting voted today including in Eldas and Garsen Constituencies in Wajir county; This is as a result of insecurities and logistical purposes experienced yesterday in the area,” said Chebukati.
Using the results announced in more than 45,565 of the 46,229 voting locations, the IEBC has so far received 98.64 per cent of Forms 34A.
The media, political parties, and civil society organizations continue to tally their results.
The four presidential candidates were unable to mobilize a sizable voting turnout to support them.
In general, voter confidence was at an all-time low, with some saying there was little chance of significant change among the candidates.
Projects for an economic hub in East Africa, the election was thought to be close but peaceful, and there could be a first-time presidential runoff.
The rampant corruption in the economy, rather than the racial tensions that have occasionally led to violent outcomes in previous elections may be the key reasons.
Rising food and fuel costs, debt at 67 per cent of GDP, young unemployment at 40 per cent, and corruption made economic issues the focus of a vote that brought the nation’s disparity to light due to unrestricted campaign expenditure. But character still matters.
Except for the event where congressman Didmus Barasa is purportedly believed to have shot an opponent’s bodyguard who succumbed upon arrival at the hospital and a brawl between Hassan Joho and Mike Sonko over suspicions of voter bribery, the 2022 election was deemed close but calm.
The suspect has since been detained, and the IEBC, through its chairperson, has distanced itself from the occurrence as investigations into the subject continue.
“On the issue of Kimilili Member of Parliament (MP) Didmus Barasa issue, I believe justice will be done and those found culpable will be brought to book, the commission cannot in any way interfere on matters that concern the criminal justice,” Chebukati said.
The two-horse race appears to be far from over as deputy president William Ruto, who describes himself as a hustler and plans to rebuild the Kenyan economy through the bottom-up model, is facing heavy battle from the president’s handshake ally and the majority of government personnel.
Currently 77 years old, Raila Odinga is running for president in the Azimio One Kenya Alliance. This is his fifth attempt after losing in 1997, 2007, 2013, and 2017.
Deputy President William Ruto, 55, a candidate for the Kenya Kwanza political alliance, is Odinga’s top adversary.
In Mount Kenya and the Rift Valley, he has established a stronghold among the nation’s largest ethnic groupings.
The IEBC has up to a week to announce the final results and is therefore anticipated to verify and award the winner with a certificate.