William Ruto wins Kenya Presidential Election

 

 

.Buhari congratulates president-elect

 

 

Vice President William Ruto has been declared the winner of Kenya’s presidential election amid dramatic scenes.

 

He narrowly beat his rival, Raila Odinga, taking 50.5% of the vote, according to the official results.

 

The announcement was delayed amid scuffles and allegations of vote-rigging by Mr Odinga’s campaign.

 

Four of the seven members of the electoral commission refused to endorse the result, saying it was “opaque”.

 

“We cannot take ownership of the result that is going to be announced because of the opaque nature of this last phase of the general election,” said Juliana Cherera, the vice-chairperson of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

 

“We are going to give a comprehensive statement… and again we urge Kenyans to keep calm. There is an open door that people can go to court and the rule of law will prevail,” she said.

 

Mr Odinga’s party agent earlier alleged that there were “irregularities” and “mismanagement” in the election.

 

This was the first time Mr Ruto, 55, had run for president. He has served as deputy president for 10 years, but fell out with President Uhuru Kenyatta, who backed Mr Odinga to succeed him.

 

The electoral commission chairman Wafula Chebukati said he had done his duty despite receiving threats.

 

“I took an oath of office to serve this country and I have my done my duty in accordance with the constitution and the laws of the land,” he said.

 

“We have walked the journey of ensuring that Kenyans get a free fair and credible election. It has not been an easy journey – right now two of my commissioners and the CEO are injured.” he added.

 

In his speech, President-elect Ruto thanked the electoral commission for overseeing the election.

 

“It is a wonderful evening… all sovereign power belongs to the people of Kenya,” Mr Ruto said, calling Mr Chebukati a “hero”.

 

Mr Ruto said he wanted to be a president of all, and for the country to focus on the future.

 

“To those who have done many things against us, I want to tell them there’s nothing to fear. There will be no vengeance. We do not have the luxury to look back,” he added.

 

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulates the President-elect of Kenya, William Ruto, on his victory in the General Elections on August 9, 2022.

 

The President also commended the people of Kenya for the peaceful and transparent outcome of the elections, which once again demonstrated that the democratic process, values and principles remain the best way for the people to select their leaders and hold them accountable.

A statement by Mr. Femi Adesina Monday quoted

President Buhari as saying that “Nigeria values Kenya as a strategic partner in the fight against terrorism and violence extremism, buoyed by a long history of friendship, economic and trade ties, and effective collaboration through international organisations such as the African Union, the United Nations and the Commonwealth.

 

“While wishing Deputy President Ruto a successful inauguration and tenure in office, the President looks forward to more fruitful and robust engagements between the two countries on shared priorities such as enhancing peace and security on the continent, democracy, and greater economic prosperity and social development.

 

“The Nigerian leader also salutes President Uhuru Kenyatta for his statesmanship and exemplary leadership to the people of Kenya in the past nine years and the profound legacies of his administration on infrastructure, education, healthcare reforms and tourism as well as strong influence and support on regional security.”