The 2022 Kenyan general election was held on 9 August 2022, marking a significant moment in Kenya’s democratic journey. This election was crucial as it marked the end of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s second term, with him being ineligible for re-election due to the two-term limit set by the Constitution of Kenya. The election saw Kenya’s political landscape take a historic turn with a strong contest between William Ruto, the Deputy President of Kenya, and Raila Odinga, the former Prime Minister.
Key Facts about the 2022 Election
- Voter Turnout: 64.77%, a slight increase from previous elections, showing a more engaged electorate.
- Registered Voters: 22,120,458, with 14.3 million voters casting their ballots.
- Presidential Race: William Ruto (50.49%) vs. Raila Odinga (48.85%).
Presidential Candidates
- William Ruto (Kenya Kwanza Alliance) – 7,176,141 votes (50.49%)
- Raila Odinga (Azimio la Umoja) – 6,942,930 votes (48.85%)
- George Wajackoyah (Roots Party Kenya) – 61,969 votes (0.44%)
- David Waihiga Mwaure (Agano Party) – 31,987 votes (0.23%)
The Campaign and Political Landscape
The 2022 election was notable for its intense political dynamics, with class politics emerging as a central theme. The political battle was framed as a contest between the “hustlers” led by William Ruto and the “dynasties” represented by Raila Odinga, whose family has been deeply involved in Kenya’s political history. Ruto positioned himself as the candidate for the ordinary citizen, while Odinga’s campaign was backed by a coalition of established political forces.
The Kenya Kwanza alliance, led by Ruto, focused on economic empowerment, pushing for a “bottom-up” economic model. On the other hand, Azimio la Umoja‘s agenda, under Odinga’s leadership, promised to address historical inequalities, strengthen devolution, and increase healthcare and education funding.
The Voting Process and Issues
The voting day saw several challenges. While the election was largely peaceful, issues such as the failure of Kenya Integrated Election Management System (KIEMS) kits to verify some voters’ fingerprints in certain areas caused delays. Despite these technical issues, the voting proceeded without major violence. Voter turnout was impressive, with over 12 million votes cast by the end of the day.
Election Results and Legal Challenges
William Ruto’s victory was contested by Raila Odinga, who filed a petition to challenge the results in the Supreme Court of Kenya. Odinga claimed that the election was marred by fraud and irregularities. However, on 5 September 2022, the Supreme Court dismissed the challenge, affirming Ruto’s win. Despite Odinga’s legal challenge, he agreed to respect the Court’s verdict but continued to assert his belief in a fraudulent election.
Parliamentary Elections and Outcome
The 2022 Kenyan parliamentary elections also saw a major shift in the composition of the Kenyan National Assembly and Senate. Kenya Kwanza (led by Ruto) secured 143 seats in the National Assembly, while Azimio la Umoja (backed by Odinga) won 89 seats. This shift reinforced Ruto’s mandate as the incoming President, with the backing of the legislature.
In the Senate, Kenya Kwanza secured 24 seats, and Azimio la Umoja obtained 23 seats, making it a very tight race in the upper house.
Challenges and Controversies
Despite the Supreme Court ruling, the 2022 election was not without controversy. The media witnessed misinformation campaigns, with some fake reports circulating about Odinga’s leading position. Furthermore, there were concerns over the credibility of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), especially after four IEBC commissioners voiced dissent, questioning the results’ accuracy before they were officially announced.
Conclusion
The 2022 Kenyan general election was a milestone in the country’s democratic process. With a close race between Ruto and Odinga, the election reflected Kenya’s evolving political dynamics and the growing influence of newer political forces. William Ruto’s victory signified a political shift, signaling the end of the Kikuyu-Kalenjin dominance in Kenyan politics and the beginning of a new era. However, the challenges and controversies surrounding the election, including legal battles and technical difficulties, highlighted the need for continued reforms to ensure free and fair elections in future.
