IEBC chairman gazettes Ruto and Rigathi
Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson Wafula Chebukati yesterday gazetted Deputy President William Ruto and Mathira MP Rigathi Gachagua as President and Deputy President elect.
In a gazette notice released yesterday, Chebukati says the move is in line with the constitution, IEBC act of 2011, elections act and provisions of the Elections regulations.
“The Chairperson of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission declares in respect to article 136(1) of the Constitution, Ruto William Samoei Ruto and in respect to 148(3) of the constitution, Gachagua Rigathi have been duly elected as the President and Deputy President respectively of the republic of Kenya having complied with the provisions of article 138(4) of the constitution during the general election held on Tuesday 9th August 2022,” reads the gazette notice.
The move came even as world leaders continued to congratulate President-elect William Ruto following his victory in the August 9 election.
The Heads of state took to their social media handles to commend him for his win despite undergoing a bruising campaign.
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema congratulated Ruto and wished him well as he assumed the leadership in Kenya. Hichilema also hailed the people of Kenya for exercising patience during the announcement of results and praised the overall peace that characterised the polls.
“President Hakainde Hichilema has sent a congratulatory message to Mr William Ruto on his election as President-Elect of the Republic of Kenya in the just ended August 9 elections. President Hichilema says on behalf of the people of Zambia and indeed on his own behalf, he wishes President-Elect Ruto God’s blessings as he assumes the leadership of Kenya,” reads a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Anthony Bwalya.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulated Ruto and said that he looked forward to working with him.
“I offer my warm congratulations to President-Elect @WilliamSRuto of the Republic of Kenya. A prosperous and united Kenya is an important prerequisite for and contributor to a prosperous and peaceful continent. We look forward to working with you in pursuit of #TheAfricaWeWant,” he said.
Working together
Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu while congratulating Ruto said she is looking forward to working with him.
“I congratulate the people of Kenya on their peaceful general election and the subsequent announcement of Dr @WilliamsRuto as President-elect. We look forward to continuing working together with our brothers and sisters in Kenya to strengthen our historically close ties. Tuko pamoja,” she said.
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni who disclosed he had a telephone conversation with Ruto congratulated him for his victory.
“On behalf of all Ugandans, I congratulate Your Excellency @WilliamsRuto upon your election as the 5th President of the Republic of Kenya. Further to my telephone call last night upon your victory, I wish to reassure you of Uganda’s commitment to continue partnering with Kenya in advancing regional and continental agenda through the East African Community, African Union and other multilateral platforms,’ he said.
Zimbabwe President Emmerson Mnangagwa congratulated Ruto and wished him well is his duties as President.
“Congratulations to @WilliamsRuto on his election as the next President of Kenya. I have no doubt he will serve his country, his people and our continent with distinction,” said Mnangagwa.
Ethiopian President Abiy Ahmed Ali also congratulated Ruto for his victory and wished him well as he governs Kenya. “My congratulations William Ruto @WilliamsRuto on your election as the President of the Republic of Kenya. I wish you best of luck in your endeavours ahead and we look forward to working closely with you on common bilateral and regional interests,” he said.
The US Embassy on its part congratulated Kenyans for exercising their right to vote in the August 9 election as well as commended the active participation of political parties, civil society, and citizens in shaping robust discussions throughout the campaign period. In a statement posted on its website, the US government which reiterated its commitment towards partnering with Kenya to improve healthcare, promote peace and security in the region said it looks forward to continuing to enhance its partnership with the people and the government.
“We applaud the efforts of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, security forces, and all electoral institutions to organise a peaceful and orderly voting and counting process,” reads a statement posted on its website.
Important milestone
It added: “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.”
The German Embassy in Nairobi told parties and political leaders to unite the country now that Ruto has been declared as president elect.
According to the embassy, to remain peaceful and refrain from violence is key as this spirit will make Kenya stronger.
“We congratulate the people of Kenya for a peaceful, free and fair election. The commitment of Kenyan political parties, wananchi, the civil society, churches and private sector is impressive and a real celebration of democratic spirit.
We now urge all parties and political leaders to unite the country and to work together to peacefully resolve all remaining issues through the existing legal procedures,” read a message from the embassy.
