William Ruto wins Kenya presidential election as scuffles break out at count centre | World News
William Ruto has been declared the winner of the Kenyan presidential election – shortly after the main vote count was interrupted as scuffles broke out.
Mr Ruto is currently the country’s vice president and defeated opposition leader Raila Odinga for the top spot after winning 50.49% of the vote.
“We are here tonight to witness this important event as the people of Kenya reiterate what is in article one of the Kenyan constitution that all sovereign power rests with the people,” Mr. Ruto said. Kenyans,” said Mr Ruto after his victory was announced.
“I want to thank God for bringing us to this point, I want to thank God that today we have closed this election.
“I know there are predictions that I won’t make it to the ballot, there are predictions that we won’t get here, but because we’re here with God in heaven, and I want to in a very special way. special to say, and confess that without God, we wouldn’t be here.”
Before that, chairs were thrown, bottles were smashed and podiums were knocked over as chaos broke out in the hall in Nairobi.
Diplomats and international observers were attacked as supporters of Mr. Ruto and Mr. Odinga clashed with police.
The announcement of the election results fell into chaos after the vice chairman of the electoral commission and three other commissioners rejected the results.
William Ruto has been declared the winner of the Kenyan presidential election
Two commissioners and the commission’s chief executive were injured in the scuffles and are being treated.
Sky News reporter Yousra Ekhagir saw the disruption unfold.
“Fighting broke out as members of former prime minister and predecessor Raila Odinga flipped tables, flipped chairs and scrambled for election results,” she said.
“Now, his opponent and incumbent vice president William Ruto has arrived, and a strange calm has enveloped the center.
“Everyone’s clapping now, they’ve just welcomed him in, but it’s very strange, and it’s awkward to feel like everyone’s acting like what just happened didn’t happen.”
People waited at the center for hours after several delays in the announcement of the election results.
