Peace reigns in Kenya as electoral body declares William Ruto president elect

Nairobi-Kenya, VNA – William Ruto has been declared Kenya’s President elect by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

The Deputy President 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 camp.

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.

Although there is general tension in the East African country, the environment is peaceful following the announcement of the presidential results.

There are pockets of protests and agitations but are isolated cases that will in no way plunge the country into chaos.

Bishops Call for peace

Kenyan Bishops, ahead of the elections appealed to candidates to prepare their supporters for any outcome that will emanate from the elections.

Bishops, concerned about the possible outbreak of post-electoral violence, hope and pray that political parties and candidates, especially at the presidential level, will play their part in calming supporters, particularly when they lose the election. Kenya has had a history of post-election violence.

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“Dear Kenyans, the election contest cannot be a do-or-die. We know it is not possible for all the candidates to emerge winners. For every elective seat, there will be only one winner. We have learned from the past how those who emerge victorious quickly develop a condescending attitude towards unsuccessful candidates. We urge modesty and respect from those who emerge winners.”

“Please do so with some humility. As our Kenyan athletes have taught us, any worthy winner will first congratulate a worthy unsuccessful competitor. Those who lose should equally concede graciously without causing chaos. Unmeasured celebrations or mayhem do not advance the democratic space we are enjoying,” said the Chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Martin Kivuva Musonde of Mombasa Archdiocese.

Watch declaration of Kenya’s presidential election results below