Close Kenya election race offers little hope of change

Significance

However, public anger at deteriorating economic conditions means Ruto’s populist ‘Hustler Nation’ campaign continues to have mass appeal, ensuring the election will be hotly contested.

Impacts

• A close election increases the risk the outcome will be rejected by the losing side, and thus the risk of political instability.
• A Supreme Court ruling may end talk of constitutional reform for now but would not prevent Odinga from reviving the debate if elected.
• Odinga’s alliance with President Kenyatta and his allies dims the prospects for post-election reforms to bolster democracy and curb graft.