Of Kenyan Political Campaigns: Side Shows ft The Kenyan voter

The 2017 polls were Kenya’s second elections since the promulgation of the country’s new constitution in August 2010. They attracted a total of 11,330 candidates (among them eight presidential candidates), most sponsored by various political parties, but also 3,752 independent candidates; all of whom were battling for 1,882 available elective positions.
It was survival for the richest as politicians criss-crossed various towns across Kenya in attempt to woo voters; some were calling for a six piece voting,  popularly referred to as “Suti”, while others threw in slogans such as “Tano Tena”, “Tano Fresh,” and “Mambo Yabadilika” as they went on a charm offensive.

A young man focusing on the stage

 

Reaching out for the campaign goodies perhaps?

 

A groundnut vendor seizes the opportunity to seek for customers

 

At the Gatundu Ultra-Modern Market

 

The fight for free t-shirts took center stage

 

To smoke a cigarette or record the moment of Kiambu Senatorial Candidate Kimani WaMatangi.

 

Raila Odinga enters Thika Town where he was expected to address NASA supporters

 

GSU officials restrain people from climbing up the dais at Ndarwa field ahead of Jubilee Party Rally

 

Jubilation!

 

Nairobi Governor Elect- Mike Sonko arriving at Ndarwa playground

 

A man arrives at Riruta Stadium for a rally

 

Paying undivided attention, with some distraction

About the Photographer:
Augustine Victor has a B.A. in Communications. On Going M.A.-International Relations. Social Media enthusiast. Blogger, Photographer, Writer & Contributor for Thika Town Today; a personal blog, bimpaked.wordpress.com and a former program Intern at Society for International Development-Kenya Dialogues Project.
This piece is part of a longer series that Enkare Review is running on the post-electoral situation we find ourselves in as a country. We welcome bits of photography, reportage and essays on the same as part of the process of getting A Sense of Where We Are. Submissions, of which we encourage a word count of between 500-1200 words, should be sent to submissions@enkare.org as word documents under the subject line ‘A Sense of Where We Are.’ Enkare Review would like to compensate you for the time spent and thought put into your writing. However, it is unfortunate that we cannot afford to pay for your work yet. Kindly bear with us for now.

Related