Tension in Kenya as Ruto emerges president, polls 50.4% votes

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

There is palpable tension in Kenyan as a faction of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), yesterday, declared Deputy President, William Ruto, as the substantive President who will take over from incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta, who has been in office since 9 April 2013.

Chairperson of EBC, Wafula Chebukati said amid dramatic scenes that candidate of the United Democratic Alliance had 50.4 percent of the votes to beat his main rival and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, leader of the Orange Democratic Movement.

The election was conducted seven days ago and the country and the international community had with bated breath for the outcome.

The voters also elected members of the National Assembly and Senate, as well as county governors and members of the 47 county assemblies.

In Kenya, general elections are held every five years. This was the third general election and the fourth presidential one since the promulgation of the 2010 constitution.

    Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the President-elect.

According to a statement bySpecial Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari  also commended the people of Kenya for the peaceful and transparent outcome of the elections, which once again demonstrates that the democratic process, values and principles remain the best way for the people to select their leaders and hold them accountable.

President Buhari assured 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 Ruto, who is currently Deputy President, a successful inauguration and tenure in office, he said he 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.