Monday, January 21st marks an important day in Kenya. Not because of the second inauguration of President Barack Obama but because it’s the start of the Kenyan elections.The candidates have been selected, the race has begun, but coverage is minimal. This election is the first since the violent ethnic clashes of 2007. Also it will be an indicator if Kenyans can move beyond tribal interests and loyalties. So far, this doesn’t seem to be the case. Some images from Kenya:
Warnings of a repeat of 2007-08’s violent post-election protests have left many precarious of a peaceful election. The UN has reported that already more than 450 have died since January 2012. Political rivalries still remain from 2007, but calls for change have begun to resonate, particularly in the youth. With 3 months still to go until votes are cast, the road to election day, March 4, is a long way off, especially for a country teetering on the edge of another possible violent tribal clash.
Traci Oshiro