THIRD PLACE WINNER - Editorial: Photo Essay / Story (PROFESSIONAL)
Kenya election(s)
Photo © PATRICK MEINHARDT
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On August 8th 2017 19 million registered voters were called to cast their ballot, a decade after post electoral violence killed more than a 1000 people during the 2007 election. President Uhuru Kenyatta sought re-election against opposition candidate Raila Odinga, who was making his third attempt after 2007 and 2013.
Tensions were high ahead of the vote in East Africa´s strongest economy. As soon as Kenyatta was announced winner violence erupted in opposition strongholds in Nairobi and Western Kenya. Odinga did not concede defeat and like in 2013 he appealed to the Supreme Court. In an unprecedented decision in the African Continent the vote was nullified and a new date was set on October 26th 2017. Raila Odinga used the Supreme Court´s decision to make demands to the electoral board that were not met, making him boycott the new vote and call for mass protests across the country.
On October 30th, 4 days after the vote, Uhuru Kenyatta was re-elected President with a turnout of just 37%. According to Human Rights Watch more than 60 people were killed between the two votes.
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On August 8th 2017 19 million registered voters were called to cast their ballot, a decade after post electoral violence killed more than a 1000 people during the 2007 election. President Uhuru Kenyatta sought re-election against opposition candidate Raila Odinga, who was making his third attempt after 2007 and 2013.
Tensions were high ahead of the vote in East Africa´s strongest economy. As soon as Kenyatta was announced winner violence erupted in opposition strongholds in Nairobi and Western Kenya. Odinga did not concede defeat and like in 2013 he appealed to the Supreme Court. In an unprecedented decision in the African Continent the vote was nullified and a new date was set on October 26th 2017. Raila Odinga used the Supreme Court´s decision to make demands to the electoral board that were not met, making him boycott the new vote and call for mass protests across the country.
On October 30th, 4 days after the vote, Uhuru Kenyatta was re-elected President with a turnout of just 37%. According to Human Rights Watch more than 60 people were killed between the two votes.
About author:
Born in Madrid in 1987. Degree in Journalism and MA in Photojournalism and Documentary photography at the London College of Communication. Currently based in Kenya covering Africa.BACK TO GALLERY
