In tense conditions, Kenya’s presidential election saw Deputy President William Ruto declared the victor. According to the official results, he won by a little margin against Raila Odinga, receiving 50.5% of the vote. Due to arguments and claims of vote fraud by Mr. Odinga’s campaign, the declaration was delayed. Four of the electoral commission’s seven members declined to certify the outcome, claiming it was “opaque.” Juliana Cherera, deputy head of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, said, “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 (IEBC).
The poll was allegedly marred by “irregularities” and “mismanagement,” according to Mr. Odinga’s party representative. The 55-year-old Mr. Ruto was running for president for the first time. After ten years in that position, he lost the support of President Uhuru Kenyatta, who preferred Mr. Odinga to succeed him. The 77-year-old former prime minister was standing for president for the fifth time and received 48.8% of the vote.
Wafula Chebukati, the chairman of the electoral commission, claimed that despite threats, he had carried out his duty. “We have walked the journey of ensuring that Kenyans get a free, fair, and credible election. It has not been an easy journey” President-elect Ruto commended the electoral commission for managing the election in his speech. Mr. Ruto stated that he wanted to be president for all people and for the nation to be future-oriented.
He reassured those who have committed several atrocities against him that they have nothing to worry about. There won’t be any retribution. In some areas of the nation, including Mr. Ruto’s Rift Valley stronghold and that of his deputy Rigathi Gachagua in the Central region, celebrations have started. Protests have been organized by Mr. Odinga’s supporters in various areas of Nairobi and Kisumu, a city in western Kenya. However, there is generally pleasure that the outcome has been announced because the nation had come to a standstill since election day on August 9; also, economic activity had ceased, and schools were still closed.
Kenya’s history of contested elections has resulted in bloodshed or the cancellation of the entire election process. Following the 2007 election, allegations of a stolen election led to at least 1,200 deaths and 600,000 people fleeing their homes.
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