The US Embassy, Nairobi has issued a statement on the just concluded presidential results declaration by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati at Bomas of Kenya.
The embassy congratulated Kenyan citizens for exercising the constitutional duty of electing leaders seeking for elective posts. It applauded the efforts forged by political parties, civil society, and entirety of citizens for robust discussions during the campaign periods.
“The U.S. Embassy congratulates the people of Kenya for exercising their right to vote in the August 9 election. We commend the active participation of Kenya’s political parties, civil society, and citizens in shaping robust discussions throughout the campaign period. We applaud the efforts of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, security forces, and all electoral institutions to organize a peaceful and orderly voting and counting process” statement reads.
Added statement “Under the leadership of Chair Wafula Chebukati, the IEBC declared William Ruto as the winner of the presidential election. This is an important milestone in the electoral process. Going forward, we urge all parties to work together to peacefully resolve any remaining concerns about this election through existing dispute resolution mechanisms. We ask all political party leaders to continue to urge their supporters to remain peaceful and refrain from violence during the electoral process”
Deputy President William Ruto of United Democratic Alliance Party, was declared president-elect after garnering 7,176,141 votes – representing 50.49% of the total votes cast. Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition’s Raila Odinga came second after polling 6,942,930 votes – representing 48.85% of the total votes cast.
Rigathi Gachagua (left), Musalia Mudavadi (middle) William Ruto (right)
However, Four IEBC commissioners, disowned the presidential results announced by Chebukati, citing opaque nature of the electoral processes.
Speaking at a surprise press conference at Serena Hotel in Nairobi, the commissioners said:
“We have conducted the 2022 general election and have ensured we have improved the standards and consistently communicated what is happening, have partnered with all stakeholders and say for a fact as a commission we have done a good job. But some things need to be put out there.
“As you can see we are here (at Serena Hotel) and not at Bomas (national tallying centre) because of the opaque nature of how this phase has been handled. We, therefore, cannot take ownership of the result that will be announced.”
