Kenyatta re-elected president as opposition terms poll a charade

Congratulations to those who have won and to those who have lost, we live to fight another day

Kenya’s electoral body chief Wafula Chebukati (L) announces Uhuru Kenyatta winner at the national tallying centre in Nairobi August 11, 2017. Photo: Reuters

Uhuru Kenyatta has been re-elected President of Kenyatta after garnering 54% of the vote surpassing the 50% plus one Constitutionally set threshold even as the opposition rejected the polls.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission declared Kenyatta President elect with 8,203, 290 votes against his arch-rival Raila Odinga who came second with 6,762,224 representing 44.7% of the vote.

In his acceptance speech, President elect Kenyatta extended an olive branch to the opposition calling for reconciliation and peace. “To my worthy opponents, I reach out to you. We are not enemies, we are all citizens of the same republic. We all belong to one nation called Kenya.”

Kenyatta also called on Kenyans to maintain calm and proceed with their lives while reaching out to their neighbors. “My call to all Kenyans wherever you may be listening or watching us from, please reach out to your neighbor. Your neighbor will always be your neighbor.”

“Congratulations to those who have won and to those who have lost, we live to fight another day,” Kenyatta said shortly after receiving his election certificate alongside his deputy William Ruto.

“I extend a hand of friendship and cooperation knowing this country needs pulling together to succeed. I reach out to you, all your supporters, all who are elected in the opposition benches, we shall work together.”

Residents in Kenyatta’s backyard in Gatundu and his deputy William Ruto’s Eldoret burst into celebrations following the declaration of the electoral results.

Meanwhile the opposition NASA gave the election result event a wide berth after declaring the election results illegal. Odinga’s deputy chief agent James Orengo termed the electoral process a charade. “Going to court is not an option, ” Orengo noting the electoral body rejected their complaints.

With a court petition expected, a new President will be sworn in early next month. The petitioners have seven days to file a petition at the Supreme Court from the day the results are announced and the Court will have a 14 day period to hear and determine the case.