Alexandra Loesser
For Kenya, Ethnicity takes a front seat in determining votes for the upcoming presidential election. A poll conducted by international Republican institute (IRI) shows that 38.4 % of eligible voters would consider regional affiliation while casting their votes. Polls also show that the personality of the candidate is hardly an important factor to voters with only 14.6 % saying personality of the candidate is important. When IRI resident director, Mr. Kenneth Flottman was asked what the strongest influencing factor is in deciding how most Kenyans vote he responded that ethnicity has overridden all other important factors in electing the next president. Many people would consider things like experience and a need for change when it comes to electing a president but not Kenyans. The need for change stood at 3.6%, experience at 2.9 % and gender of the candidate at 1.9% in the polls.
Not long ago the Opposition accused the Government of being tribal in making public appointments. International observers watching the General election have claimed that tribalism in Kenya is at it’s peak and is threatening to tear the country apart. In response to the allegations the Government listed the names of everyone appointed to public offices and their areas of origin. However Government spokesperson, Dr Alfred Mutua says much of this talk is all lies and propaganda and that appointments in public offices do not favor only one community. He believes that the lies are meant to incite people on ethnic lines. The US ambassador to Kenya, Mr. Michael Ranneberger advised people not to vote on the basis of their tribe but on good governance. Former President Daniel Moi also added his voice, warning communities in Kuresoi and Molo constituencies against ethnic hatred but it seems the polls have spoken.
Mwai, Elizabet mwai. "Kenya: Poll - Ethnicity to Determine Voting Pattern." 10/16/07 10/18/07
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