Kenya: Opposition candidate withdraws from election re-run /update 22

Event

On Tuesday, October 10, Kenyan opposition candidate Raila Odinga announced that he has withdrawn from the upcoming presidential election re-run. According to Odinga, his decision to withdraw from the race is intended to allow for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to implement reforms for a more credible election. He claims that the IEBC has not made the necessary changes to avoid the irregularities and illegalities that took place during the previous vote in August. As Odinga is the main challenger to incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta, it is unclear if the re-run will go ahead as scheduled for October 26. Protests related to Odinga’s decision or the IEBC’s alleged mishandling of the electoral process may occur in the coming days, particularly in Nairobi.

Context

Opposition supporters protested in Nairobi on Monday, October 9, calling for the IEBC to dismiss officials who the opposition holds responsible for the mismanagement of the August 8 election. The National Super Alliance (NASA) opposition coalition and Odinga have accused the IEBC of electoral fraud and said that demonstrations will continue until the officials are removed.

On September 1, the Supreme Court released its final decision invalidating President Uhuru Kenyatta’s August 8 re-election due to irregularities in vote counting. Much of the blame for the irregularities had been placed on the IEBC, prompting renewed protests in Nairobi.

The current controversy started when Odinga announced that he would challenge the results of the August 8 presidential election - in which sitting President Kenyatta won with 54 percent of the vote - amid claims that the electronic tally system had been rigged. Violent protests broke out after the election in opposition strongholds on August 9; at least 24 people were killed in post-election violence between August 9 and August 14.

Advice

Individuals in Kenya are advised to avoid all public gatherings (particularly political events) due to the risk of violence and to monitor the situation. Be prepared to shelter in place in the event the security situation in the country deteriorates (stock up on food, water, and other necessities). Additionally, those undertaking long-distance travel within the country are advised to consider traveling via plane (rather than by road) to minimize exposure to security threats.