Kenya Election Result: William Ruto Wins Presidential Poll
By Charmaine Brown and Tapiwa Rubaya
Deputy President William Ruto has been declared the winner of Kenya’s presidential election amid dramatic scenes.
He narrowly beat his rival, Raila Odinga, taking 50.49 percent 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”.
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.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed congratulated Kenyan’s President elect William Ruto on his election as the President of the Republic of Kenya.
“I wish you best of luck in your endeavors ahead and we look forward to working closely with you on common bilateral and regional interests,” PM Abiy tweeted.
President of Zimbabwe, Emmerson Mnangagwa also congratulated Ruto on twitter:
“Congratulations to @WilliamsRuto on his election as the next President of Kenya.
I have no doubt he will serve his country, his people and our continent with distinction,” said Mnangagwa.
What started as peaceful elections, ended up with disruptive announcement of results, as supporters of longtime, opposition leader Raila Odinga claiming that the voting process involved rigging.
The results were expected to be announced this Monday the 15th August at 3pm (Kenya time) and the commissioner delayed by an hour as all was set to be announced an hour later,that is when all disruption started.
Some of those who were at the IEBC started throwing chairs to some of those who were in the arena as they claimed vote rigging.
The High Commissioner of the IEBC announced that, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga gunned 6.9 million votes resulting to 48 percent.
While William Ruto received 7.1 million votes resulting 50.49 percent.
President Elect, Williams Ruto stated out that the 5th general elections were unique as those who turned out to vote casted their ballots for both himself and his opponent, Raila Odinga.
As they signified that they voted not in favour if ethic groups but for the principles.
“These elections were about issues and not tribal,” said President Elect Williams Ruto.
President Elect, Williams further said no one lost elections as everyone should be seen as a winner .
