The United States has reacted to the election of William Ruto as the 5th president of Kenya.
In a statement that was issued by the US Embassy in Nairobi after William Ruto’s election victory, the US termed the declaration of Ruto as Kenya’s president-elect was 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,” the statement said.
The statement came hours after Ruto was declared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission as the president-elect.
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Ruto garnered 7,176,141 votes equal to 50.49 per cent of the total votes cast. Raila Odinga came in second with a total of 6,942,930 equal to 48.85 per cent of the total votes cast.
Dr. Ruto contested through the UDA party while Raila contested for the seat under the Azimio la Umoja.
It was Dr. Ruto’s first stab at the presidency while Raila Odinga was trying his luck for the fifth time.
If the presidential results are not contested at the Supreme Court of Kenya, Dr. Ruto will be sworn in as the fifth president before the end of August 2022.
He will take over from President Uhuru who will be retiring after completing his two terms.
