It's Election Time

Kenyans go to the poll today to elect their next president.  They will be choosing from eight candidates, two of whom are immensely popular.  If all goes well we expect to know the outcome within 24 hours.

Our prayers are for peace.  The last election was peaceful the day of the election and did not turn deadly until the results were being announced and the perception became that the results were being tampered.

Kenya has a new constitution that came into effect two years ago.  One of the main reasons for the new constitution was to try and minimize the possibility of rigged elections.  Under this new constitution the winner must have at least 50% of the vote.  Because of the number of candidates, it is very good possibility that none of them will receive the 50% needed.  If this is the case then we will have another election in one month’s time with the two who had the most votes.

I do not see us having widespread violence during this round of voting.  I have not seen the animosity among people during this election period, as we had last time. We will have some isolated cases of trouble, but do not believe it will spread.  However, elections in Africa always have the potential of turning deadly and we do ask for your prayers during these next few days.

If there is a second round of voting next month, I believe that at that time the potential for trouble will be much greater, but still do not perceive that it will reach the magnitude of the last election.

Thank you for your prayers for us and the people of Kenya.