where is this former peaceful nation heading

Kenyan demonstrators march in support of Kenya's military incursion inside Somalia. Photograph: Simon Maina/AFP/Getty Images

(ION) The date of the next general election has still not been set, but its prospect is already mobilising all the political classes in Kenya. Supporters of outgoing President Mwai Kibaki – who is not running for a third mandate – are battling it out over the choice of who can best defend their interests.

Two potential candidates for the presidential election, Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto, could be indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for their role in the post-election clashes in 2008. Raila Odinga, spared by the ICC, is leading the opinion polls. Spotlight on the runners, with a year to go until the election.