Odinga was both a remarkable figure and an embodiment of Kenya’s political contradictions.
- Research Professor, Institute for Development Studies (IDS), University of Nairobi
That there is no clear favourite to win shows the campaigning has been relatively free and competitive.
The transactional nature of politics reduces opportunities for debate and dialogue between elected officials and their constituents.
Magufuli took a populist approach in trying to woo voters away from an invigorated opposition, and when that didn’t work he reported to oppressive tactics.
The Building Bridges Initiative is best understood by recognising that Kenyan politics is fundamentally shaped by competition between political elites and their ethnic groups.
Even in the most tense and dangerous of moments, the elite has found a way to come back together.
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