NAIROBI, Kenya — The head of Kenya’s electoral fee introduced on Monday that William Ruto, the rustic’s vp, had received the presidential election. But the validity of the outcome used to be thrown into doubt on account of a remark mins previous through a majority of the election commissioners that they may no longer stand through the end result.
In a speech simply after the announcement, Mr. Ruto stated: “All sovereign power belongs to the people of Kenya. I want to thank God for getting us to this point. I want to thank God that today we have concluded this election.”
He described the vote as “a very historic, democratic occasion that moves our country to the next level.”
“I know many are wondering, especially those who have done many things against us, I want to tell them they have nothing to fear,” he added. “There is no room for vengeance, there is no room for looking back, we are looking to the future.”
The election pitted two of the rustic’s political heavyweights in opposition to one some other: Mr. Ruto is the rustic’s vp, whilst Raila Odinga, a veteran opposition chief, has misplaced 4 earlier election runs.
Kenya is East Africa’s greatest financial system, and it’s pivotal no longer just for the stableness of the area, however as a hub for industry and safety. The presidential race, Kenya’s closest for the reason that nation’s first in reality aggressive election two decades in the past, may be being intently scrutinized through Western and regional allies as a key take a look at for democracy in one in every of Africa’s powerhouse international locations.
Mr. Ruto, 55, additionally a rich businessman, forged himself as champion of Kenya’s “hustler nation” — the disappointed, most commonly younger strivers suffering to realize a foothold.
A vice chairwoman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Juliana Cherera, talking on behalf of 4 of the rustic’s seven commissioners stated the panel may no longer take possession of the effects on account of the “opaque nature” of the election’s dealing with.
The remark through the vice-chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission got here on a day of emerging pressure. The vote came about ultimate Tuesday, and vote counting, introduced each through the election fee and through media organizations, had signaled a cliffhanger.
Abdi Latif Dahir contributed reporting from Eldoret, Kenya.
Declan Walsh reported from Nairobi, and Abdi Latif Dahir from Eldoret, Kenya.