The Republic of Kenya’s general election was held on 9th August, 2022. Four candidates vied to be the fifth president and voters also cast their ballots for governors, senators, MPs and county assembly members. The four presidential candidates were: 1. William Ruto, the then Deputy President and candidate for the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Kenya Kwanza Coalition; 2. Raila Odinga, former Prime Minister and candidate for Azimio la Umoja – One Kenya Coalition Party; 3. George Wajackoyah, candidate for Roots Party of Kenya; 4. David Waihiga Mwaure, candidate for Agano Party Of the 22,120,458 registered voters, 14,164,651 (65.4%) cast their votes in 46,229 polling stations, with the Central region, which has the highest population, recorded the lowest turnout.

It was reported that the drop in numbers in comparison to the previous two elections was due to lack of voter education, low interest by the youth, reduced trust and confidence in the political system, poverty and youth unemployment. On 15 August, 2022, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission chairperson, Wafula Chebukati, announced the results at the Bomas of Kenya, declaring William Ruto president-elect, having beaten his main rival Raila Odinga by 233,191 votes (1.64%) in a closely contested election. Dr Ruto was then set to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta as Kenya’s fifth president.

President Kenyatta, who served his two-term limit as president, endorsed Raila Odinga, who was making his fifth attempt at winning the presidency. Minutes before Mr. Chebukati’s announcement, there were protests from four members out of the seven in the electoral commission including the vice chairperson, Juliana Cherera, who branded the results as ‘opaque’, telling media at a separate location that the four disowned the results. To win in the first round, the presidential candidate must receive over 50% plus one vote nationally and attain 25% of the votes in at least 24 of Kenya’s 47 counties. William Ruto – 7,176,141 (50.49%). 25% in 39 out of the 47 counties. Raila Odinga – 6,942,930 votes (48.85%) George Wajakoyah – 61,969 (0.44%) David Waihiga – 31,937 (0.23%)

Hon. Dr. William S. Ruto,
Deputy President and leader of
Kenya Kwanza Coalition

Right Hon. Raila Odinga, former
Prime Minister and leader of the
Azimio la Umoja Coalition

All presidential candidates bar Mr. Odinga were present at the Bomas of Kenya for the declaration of the presidential results. Mr. Odinga, in his address to the
nation on 16 August, 2022 rejected the results announced by Mr. Chekubati as null and void and vowed to explore all legal and constitutional options opened to
his party.
Barring a Supreme Court petition, Dr Ruto was to be sworn in on August 30, 2022. The results were, however, rejected by Hon. Raila
Odinga who challenged it in the Supreme Court arguing that the votes were manipulated in favour of Hon. William Ruto. There were seven petitions with
regard to the presidential election which the court consolidated into one petition as they all sought the same thing.
The Supreme Court of Kenya on Monday 5th September, 2022 dismissed the petitions and by this ruling, the court upheld the election of Dr. Ruto as the
President of the Republic of Kenya.
Dr. Ruto was sworn in as the 5th President of the Republic of Kenya on 13th September, 2022.
The following international election observation and expert missions were present in Kenya:

  • Joint AU-COMESA Election Observation Mission – headed by His Excellency Dr. Ernest Bai Koroma, Former President of Sierra Leone;
  • EAC Election Observation Mission – headed by His Excellency Dr. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, former President of the United Republic of Tanzania.
  • Carter Center Election Expert Mission – headed by Ben Graham Jones, Team Leader;
  • Commonwealth Observer Group – headed by His Excellency Bruce Golding, Former Prime Minister of Jamaica;
  • EISA Election Observation Mission – headed by His Excellency Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Former President of Nigeria;
  • EU Election Observation Mission – headed by Honourable Ivan Stefanec, Member of the European Parliament;
  • IGAD Election Observation Mission – headed by His Excellency Dr. Mulatu Teshome, Former President of Ethiopia;
  • IRI/NDI Election Observation Mission – headed by His Excellency Joaquim Chissano, Former President of Mozambique.