‘Yo! Get up and vote!’ rapper tells Kenyans – but many don’t care

By Aaron Ross

ELDORET, Kenya (Reuters) – A lollipop dangling from his mouth and two silver chains from his neck, Valentine Ndalo threw his palms within the air and swung his dreadlocks as Octopizzo, considered one of Kenya’s hottest artists, rapped concerning the movie star excessive life.

The live performance within the western Kenyan metropolis of Eldoret was a part of Octopizzo’s “Umechukua” marketing campaign, geared toward convincing younger folks to vote in August elections that may select a successor to outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta and hundreds of native and nationwide representatives.

Ndalo, a 26-year-old performing artist, is not within the ballot.

“I voted over the past elections however since then, it has been very disappointing as a result of they [the politicians] by no means stored their guarantees.”

East Africa’s financial powerhouse has been one of many area’s most vibrant democracies. However voters are disillusioned after years of damaged guarantees, corruption scandals, and allegations of vote rigging.

Registration drives have to this point netted solely 2.5 million new voters, fewer than half of the 6 million focused, in one of many worst performances because the introduction of multi-party democracy in 1992.

The 2 principal presidential candidates, Deputy President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, are veteran politicians from a system that enriches the rich, critics and lots of younger folks say.

Ruto has sought to interrupt Kenya’s conventional ethnic voting blocs by interesting to the poor and casting the vote as a “hustler” versus “dynasty” election. Odinga is the son of the nation’s first vp and is supported by Kenyatta, son of the primary president.

Some voters additionally concern Odinga – a distinguished opposition chief identified for his left wing insurance policies – has grow to be the institution candidate after the president’s endorsement.

NO BENEFIT

Apathy might cut back the chance of election-related violence, which has blighted Kenya up to now. In 2007 the nation noticed clashes that left 1,300 folks lifeless after disputed polls. However others concern there might be hassle and that the disenfranchised might revolt.

Rapper Octopizzo – authorized title Henry Ohanga – grew up within the patchwork of rusted corrugated iron shacks of the enormous Kibera slum within the capital Nairobi. He sympathises with voter frustration however nonetheless pleads: vote!

“There is no different time they (the politicians) will beg,” he mentioned in an interview with Reuters. “That is probably the most energy you’ll ever have.”

Home employee Saumu Juma, 26, registered to vote exterior the live performance.

“I’m optimistic my vote will make a distinction,” she mentioned. “The economic system is troublesome to bear. There are not any jobs.”

However few of the 500-plus concertgoers shared her enthusiasm. Solely 101 folks registered; it wasn’t clear what number of had already accomplished so.

Voters say some apathy is right down to uneven financial development. The hole between Kenya’s richest and poorest is without doubt one of the highest in Africa, authorities statistics present. Rising costs and a extreme drought are squeezing poor Kenyans.

Joshua Ogeto, 22, sells perfumes door-to-door. He says voting solely helps politicians.

“We do not get any profit,” he scoffed.

(Reporting by Aaron Ross; enhancing by Katharine Houreld, Alexandra Hudson)