Ruto defeats Odinga in Kenyan elections

By Newsroom

15^th Aug 2022

Deputy President William Ruto has won Kenya’s presidential election, the electoral commission chairman has said, amid dramatic scenes.

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 Odinga’s campaign.

Four of the seven members of the electoral commission refused to endorse the announcement, saying the results were “opaque”.

Led by Juliana Cherera, the Vice- Chairperson of IEBC, the commissioners said they will be giving a comprehensive statement but urging Kenyans to keep calm.

Cherera advised aggrieved candidates to petition court for the rule of law to prevail.

Earlier, Raila Odinga’s chief election agent Saitabao Kanchory alleged that there were “irregularities” and “mismanagement” in the election.

He added that his team didn’t verify some of the results which made them not ask their presidential candidate to go to the tallying centre.

In a briefing that was partly relayed on local broadcasters he alluded to some electoral malpractices.

Kanchory was flanked by some leaders from Odinga’s Azimio coalition, Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o and Siaya Governor-Elect James Orengo.

This was the first time Ruto, 55, had run for president. He has served as deputy president for 10 years, but fell out with President Uhuru Kenyatta, who backed Odinga to succeed him.