Kenya’s vice president, William Ruto, has been declared winner of the country’s presidential election.
The head of the country’s electoral body, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, Wafula Chebukati, made the declaration on Monday.
He said Ruto won almost 7.18 million votes (50.49 percent) against 6.94 million (48.85 percent) polled by his rival, Raila Odinga, in the August 9 election.
Odinga’s party agent earlier alleged that there were “irregularities” and “mismanagement” in the election.
The result was announced notwithstanding the fact that four of the Commissioners refused to accept it as authentic.
Ruto, 55, has served as deputy president for 10 years, but fell out with President Uhuru Kenyatta, who then backed Odinga to succeed him.
Chebukati stated that he had done his duty despite receiving threats. “I took an oath of office to serve this country and I have my done my duty in accordance with the constitution and the laws of the land.
“We have walked the journey of ensuring that Kenyans get a free fair and credible election. It has not been an easy journey – right now two of my commissioners and the CEO are injured.” he added.
In a speech, President-elect Ruto, thanked the electoral commission for overseeing the election.
“It is a wonderful evening… all sovereign power belongs to the people of Kenya,” Ruto said, calling Chebukati a “hero”.
“To those who have done many things against us, I want to tell them there’s nothing to fear. There will be no vengeance. We do not have the luxury to look back,” he added.
