Kenyan election choices limited by 'six-piece suit' campaigning

Instead of running on local issues that affect the lives of voters, candidates cling to the coattails of presidential tickets

if the race for the presidency of Kenya is increasing attention as voters go to the polls today to choose more than one direction. They also called upon to decide five additional points - Member of Parliament, Senator, representing women, Governor of the County and County representative assembly. Kenyan entire political structure could be a major overhaul.

All six pieces is the term that has been adopted to describe the same coalition vote in six voices. It is a strategy of the presidential candidates have openly encouraged the start of the campaign - for obvious reasons: the members of the ruling coalition, the easier it will be sovereign

The first calls for a vote straight party, met with accusations of cynicism, however. A local newspaper called it a requirement that voters to vote "whatever the qualities and skills of the other five candidates." Now, most of the major candidates have withdrawn the application, at least in public discourse.

But a month after Prime Minister Raila Odinga in the election campaign, it is clear that many voters see six pieces as their only option, if only because candidates prices rates have allowed their individual positions to be assumed by the presidential candidates. Instead of running on local issues, which ultimately have the greatest impact on the lives of individual voters, most are waiting to get on the platform above the ticket to victory. That leaves voters who seek to make informed decisions with little information.

In Garissa matatu city has long been an easy target for roving bands of brigands. The drivers of these vehicles soft carrying passengers on routes established in this hot and dusty town in northern Kenya, for example, they are constantly arrested and extorted money by armed groups. If they refuse to pay, they are beaten or killed.

When the owners and drivers of matatus decided to form a credit union, known as Sacco, two years ago, was originally intended as a way to share resources, but it became a political force.

Nearly 300 people have joined and we are working with the council to repair roads Garissa and establish fixed routes and steps for passengers. More importantly, sought - and obtained - a greater protection of the local police

"We work with local government to bring law and order," said Abdi Khalif Shakuru, who led the matatu "No More Drama" during the last four years. "We seen many changes in the development. "

have now returned the next election. Three months ago, members of the Sacco Sat manifesto addressed eight different candidates running for the presidency of Kenya. Ultimately, they decided to give their votes to the Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta, leader of the Coalition Jubilee. Him and Odinga are the major presidential candidates.

Khalif said Sacco decided Kenyatta because he is young (51 against 68 for Mr Odinga) and has a solid platform infrastructure development. They do not put the same thought in racing tickets down, however, because they could. Instead, most matatu owners and drivers will vote six pieces.

is a position that would make sense if Sacco members were strong supporters of the Jubilee. But they are not. Jubilee Coalition and Odinga to reform and democracy (cable) are artificial constructs, however, built before the elections in order to meet the most disparate, but festivals as much as possible under one banner.

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