Kenya’s current President backs long-time rival in next election.

Kenya, one of Africa’s top economies, will pick a new president on August 9 amid a rise in the cost of living and a crippling drought that will provide challenges to whoever is elected. President Uhuru Kenyatta, on the other hand, is backing his deputy’s opponent to win the election and secure his legacy.

All of its past elections have resulted in either disagreements and rigging charges, or outbreaks of lethal violence, or both. Kenyans are expecting that things will be different this time.

The Candidates

Raila Odinga, a four-time failed presidential candidate, is back in the race. The 77-year-old former prime minister is known for being a powerful campaigner.

His main opponent is Deputy President William Ruto, 55. On the campaign trail, he has proven to be a match for Mr Odinga, drawing enormous crowds.

There are two more names on the ballot that are less well-known.

George Wajackoyah’s plan to legalize marijuana production and the export of snake venom has sparked interest. David Mwaure Waihiga is running on a platform of anti-corruption.

Why is the president not backing his deputy.

Kenyan politics has turned upside down. Mr Odinga was a vehement opponent of the incumbent, President Uhuru Kenyatta. Their feud dates back 60 years, when their fathers, both independence leaders, fell out.

In 2018, the two men shook hands and reconciled, and Mr Kenyatta has thrown his support behind Mr Odinga’s campaign.

This left Mr Ruto out in the cold and resulted in several years of an awkward relationship at the top.

The deputy president has arguably defined the ground on which this election is being fought – the economy.

Whereas in previous elections, issues about corruption and justice prevailed, this time around, people are more concerned with their wallets.

Mr Ruto, who comes from a humble background, has positioned himself as a champion of the poor. In this young country, he has focused on programs to combat youth unemployment and created the expression “hustler nation” to describe individuals struggling to make ends meet in 2018.

Along with the normal election items, he has distributed free wheelbarrows at his campaign rallies in an inventive gesture of political symbolism.

He has also characterized his campaign as an attempt to eliminate the dynastic dominance of Kenyan politics by the Kenyattas and Odingas.

If elected, Mr Odinga promises to continue the president’s development plan and better the lives of disadvantaged Kenyans by providing them with a monthly stipend of 6,000 Kenyan shillings ($50; £40) from a new social protection fund.

He has also promised to deliver affordable healthcare through “Baba Care,” presenting himself as a father figure in a country of more than 56 million people.