Of the eight candidates for today’s presidential poll in Kenya, three are seen as the most serious.

Over 14 million Kenyans go to the polls today, March 4, 2013 in general elections to amongst others, choose a new president. Incumbent President Mwai Kibaki is not eligible after serving the maximum two terms. Today’s poll is the first general election after the 2007 post-election violence. Two of the leading candidates, Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto, have been indicted by the International Criminal Court for their alleged role in the 2007 election violence.

The eight candidates standing alongside their running mates are Mohamud Abduba Dida, the only female contender, Martha Wangari Karua, Peter Kenneth, Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, James ole Kiyiapi, Wycliffe Musalia Mudavadi, Paul Kibugi Muite and Raila Amollo Odinga. An opinion poll released on February 26, 2013 shows that the favourite first round candidates are Raila Odinga with 46 per cent of votes, Uhuru Kenyatta, 45 per cent and Musalia  Mudavadi, 5 per cent.

Raila Amollo Odinga

Prime Minister Raila Amollo Odinga was born on January 7, 1945 and is the son of late Vice President Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. He is standing for the Orange Democratic Movement with Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka as running mate. Odinga has focused his campaign on youth, promising to help them gain access to employment and education. Odinga holds a Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering as well as several honorary doctorate degrees. In 1997, he lost the bid for the presidency. He has previously served as Minister of Energy, Roads, Public Works, and Housing. In 2005, he left FORD and founded the Orange Democratic Movement. Raila Amollo Odinga became PM in President Mwai Kibaki’s power-sharing agreement after the 2007 election violence.

Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta

Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta was born in October 1961. His father, Jomo Kenyatta, was Kenya's first President from 1964 to 1978. He is candidate for the Jubilee Alliance, a coalition formed by his National Alliance Party and running mate, William Ruto's United Republican Party. Kenyatta says he will focus on land ownership and intends to turn Kenya into an economic hub, creating an export economy. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Politics and Economics. Kenyatta unsuccessfully ran for president in 2002 and withdrew his candidacy in 2007 to support President Mwai Kibaki’s re-election. Kibaki later appointed him Minister for Local Governments before he became Deputy PM and Minister of Trade in April 2008. In 2009, Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta was moved to the Ministry of Finance, while remaining Deputy PM.

Wycliffe Musalia Mudavadi

Deputy Prime Minister, Wycliffe Musalia Mudavadi was born in September 1960. He is running for the United Democratic Forum Party in the Amani Alliance with Jeremiah Kioni. Mudavadi has vowed to focus on good governance and poverty alleviation by tackling corruption, restructuring the judiciary, and recruiting more police officers. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Land Economics. He became Member of Parliament in 1989 and was appointed Vice President in 2002 by President Daniel arap Moi. Wycliffe Musalia Mudavadi became Deputy Prime Minister after the 2007 election.