Deputy President William Ruto has won Kenya’s presidential election, the electoral commission chairman has said.
He narrowly beat his rival, Raila Odinga, taking 50.4% of the vote.
The announcement was delayed amid scuffles and allegations of vote-rigging by members of Mr. Odinga’s campaign.
Four of the seven members of the electoral commission refused to endorse the announcement, saying the results were “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. (BBC)
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Ruto and commended the people of Kenya for the peaceful and transparent outcome of the election.
The president said in a statement by his media aide, Mr. Femi Adesina that the election once again demonstrated that the democratic process, values and principles remained the best way for the people to select their leaders and hold them accountable.
According to him, Nigeria values Kenya as a strategic partner in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.
He said partnership Kenya was buoyed by a long history of friendship, economic and trade ties, and effective collaboration through international organisations, such as African Union, United Nations, and the Commonwealth.
While wishing Ruto a successful inauguration and tenure in office, Buhari said he looked 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.
President Buhari also applauded President Uhuru Kenyatta for his statesmanship and exemplary leadership to the people of Kenya in the past nine years.
He commended the profound legacies of the Kenyatta administration on infrastructure, education, healthcare reforms, and tourism as well as strong influence and support on regional security.
With agency reports
