EXPLAINER: Why Kenya’s presidential election is important

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — Voters in Kenya are choosing a successor to President Uhuru Kenyatta next week after his decade in power. The race is close and could go to a runoff for the first time. One top candidate in Tuesday’s election is Raila Odinga. The longtime opposition leader is making his fifth run for the presidency with the support of his former rival Kenyatta. The other top candidate is William Ruto, Kenyatta’s deputy. He had a falling out with the president years ago. Both Ruto and Odinga have focused their campaigning on domestic issues. Key issues in every election include widespread corruption and the economy. Kenyans have been hurt by rising prices for food and fuel in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.