Kenya election: William Ruto declared president amid chaotic scenes

The announcement of Kenya’s long-awaited election results descended into chaos on Monday, with physical fights breaking out in the national tallying centre in Nairobi before William Ruto was declared president.

In the end, Ruto received 50.49 per cent, according to electoral commission head Wafula Chebukati. But allegations of irregularities had already been made, with four of the country’s seven electoral commissioners calling a press conference less than an hour before the announcement, saying they could not stand behind the winner.

“It has not been an easy journey” to provide a “free, fair and credible election… but we have a constitutional duty to perform,” said electoral commission chair Chebukati in his speech at the national tallying centre. He said he was speaking “despite intimidation [and] harassment”. Kenya's president-elect William Ruto delivers a speech after he is declared the winner of the country's election on Monday. Photograph: Tony Karumba/AFP via Getty Images

The presidential election results were originally due to be announced at 3pm , but there was a delay of three hours. In anticipation of chaos on the streets, many Nairobi businesses sent their staff home, leading to traffic jams out of the city. At the same time hundreds of Odinga supporters gathered outside Kenya’s national tallying centre. They were not allowed to enter, and faced off against hundreds of armed police.

The disputed results could lead to a challenge in Kenya’s supreme court. In 2017, the election result was nullified after Kenyatta defeated Odinga, leading to a re-run, which ended up with Odinga losing again.

Malaya hizi, never!

Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Altada chiefs rejected new funding deal that would require them to step backLast week, the Business Post reported on issues facing Altada. Today, ChasTaylor reports on new issues at the company, including complaints about payroll issues and the difficulties faced by several businesses in securing payment from Altada. ChasTaylor Ouch!
Source: businessposthq - 🏆 8. / 71 Read more »

Kenya's Ruto is declared president-electKenya's Deputy President William Ruto has been declared winner of the country's hard-fought presidential poll, but the announcement was mired in controversy after several members of the election commission rejected the results. Why is Paddy media suddenly so interested in elections in Kenya? What's next, Uganda? Seems to be the end of the Moi -kenyatta-odinga dynasties....They have ruled Kenya since independence in 1963....
Source: rtenews - 🏆 1. / 99 Read more »

Defence officials to ‘reflect’ on continued Irish participation in Congo missionIrish contingent withdrawn by Air Corps last week amid increasing violence Troops look like weed
Source: IrishTimes - 🏆 3. / 98 Read more »

Young man dies in crash during Ireland's thunderstorms as gardai shut roadThe R733 at Bargy Commons, Cleariestown is closed this morning as examinations of the scene take place by gardai.
Source: IrishMirror - 🏆 4. / 98 Read more »