On Monday, August 15, IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati declared William Ruto the fifth president-elect of the Republic of Kenya.
Chebukati’s announcement came amid a split in the IEBC commissioners over the authenticity of the presidential results hence attracting praises and criticisms in equal measures.
While supporters of the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition party disputed the presidential results, their Kenya Kwanza Alliance took to the streets to celebrate the fifth president-elect.
On Wednesday, August 17, religious leaders drawn from across the country joined other African heads of state to welcome William Ruto’s presidency.
In a statement, the president-elect said he owe the recently declared victory to God and that he will keep working with men of the cloths to better the lives of Kenyans.
“Hosted faith leaders at the Karen Residence, Nairobi County, led by Archbishop Philip Anyolo, Archbishop Anthony Muheria, Supkem National Chairman Hassan Ole Naado, Bishop Robert Lang’at, Bishop Ogonyo Ngede, among others
“We owe our victory in the just-concluded election to God. We will keep working with religious leaders to better the lives of Kenyans,” William Ruto said in a statement posted on Twitter.
This comes even as the Azimio la Umoja vowed to seek other legal and constitutional redresses to null William Ruto’s win.
Speaking at the KICC after meeting elected leaders under the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition, Raila Odinga’s 2022 presidential running mate Martha Karua exuded confidence that the apex court will overturn Ruto’s win.
Karua urged Azimio supporters across the country to maintain peace adding that their victory was deferred, but assured them that they will bring it home.
“Victory is deferred, but it’s coming home, and that is the message to everyone as we explore all legal and constitutional avenues,” she said.
On his part, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka said the struggle continues, adding that they were confident victory will be on their side.
“Our move to denounce the election results has gotten the attention of the world and we are ready to ensure the country does not go the wrong way,” Musyoka said.
