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Who stands to benefit from court ruling?

By DAVID KWALIMWA September 2nd, 2017 2 min read

Who stands to benefit the most from Friday’s Supreme Court’s ruling that nullified President Uhuru Kenyatta’s win paving way for fresh elections in 60 days?

Here are the five likeliest beneficiaries of the historic ruling:

1. Raila Odinga, Kalonzo Musyoka, Musalia Mudavadi  – Until Friday, this trio was more or less politically “finished”. Having lost two consecutive elections against President Uhuru Kenyatta and his Deputy William Ruto, there was surely no way back, on the political front, for Mr Odinga and Mr Musyoka. Mr Mudavadi too was facing an uncertain political future. This ruling has thus offered them a lifeline.

2. Nasa supporters – Just like their leaders, a majority of the opposition coalition’s supporters were deflated by this electoral defeat. Some aired their frustrations on social media, others protested on the streets, a few lost their lives during the protests, and others even toyed with the idea of cession. Suddenly, there is renewed hope of reaching Canaan. But will they?

3. Business people – Come to think of it, there is a fresh election in two months’ time. And this brings forth business opportunities. Expect vehicles and choppers to be leased by politicians, grounds to be hired, merchandise and posters to be printed and crowds to somehow be pulled towards political rallies. All this translates to three things. Money, money and money.

4. Media – Another likely beneficiary. But how? Political seasons and especially campaign periods, without doubt offers opportunities for the media. Politicians will buy space to advertise. Audiences too, will be tuned in, for long spells. The IEBC too will advertise for tenders, employment opportunities and other events via the media as stipulated by law. This more or less translates to a high season of sorts.

5. Nurses – Kenyan nurses have for the past three days been on strike. All this while no one has seemingly taken serious interest in this situation. But there is some hope, it is a political season and history suggests that the top leadership could look to make a deal with the nurses in exchange of political support.