Raila, Ruto are front runners but must shake off all negative perceptions

Deputy President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during the funeral service of former Finance Minister Simeon Nyachae at Gusii Stadium in Kisii County on February 15, 2021. [ DPPS, Standard]

With just 296 days left to August 9, 2022 when Kenya elects its fifth president, the optics are that the race is narrowing down to ODM leader Raila Odinga and Deputy President William Ruto. Whether it is by design or default, the political fraternity in the country has performed to a script that has made the two the undisputed leaders in the cast. Political barbs and daggers ominously aimed at them, even when they come from the One Kenya Alliance (OKA). 

The actors in this drama can stop almost anything, except time. In the remaining 296 days, Raila and Ruto will need to throw everything into the fight. Each knows that if he does not become Kenya’s president next year, the other one will most likely be. What must they do to ensure that they romp home to victory?