President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto celebrate winning October repeat presidential polls. [Photo|Citizen TV]
President-elect Uhuru Kenyatta has pointed out that the October 26 presidential repeat polls were marred by witchcraft, intimidation and violence.
Uhuru who was addressing the nation shortly after being declared the duly elected president by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission, IEBC said voters were intimidated in various parts of the country.
President Uhuru garnered 98% of the total votes cast which represented 38% of the registered voters in Kenya.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga became the runners-up despite withdrawing from the repeat polls citing inability by the electoral commission to guarantee free, fair and credible elections.
His withdrawal saw demonstrations and skirmishes between locals and police in his strongholds which saw adjournment of elections in 25 constituencies.
Deputy President-elect William Ruto has however alleged that the violence in those areas was orchestrated by a well-organized militia gang sponsored by the opposition.
Various leaders from the areas have dismissed Ruto’s claims saying the demonstrators were residents picketing against the IEBC.
“Residents here don’t want to vote and can never be forced to vote,” Migori governor Zachary Obado said.
His sentiments were echoed by Kisumu governor Anyang’ Nyong’o who said that the Luos can never be forced by the police, even the army to vote.
Even as Uhuru is declared the winner, many questions have been raised concerning the legitimacy of his re-election given the boycott of the election by a huge number of voters.
A battle of wits and legal minds is now expected at the Supreme Court in to challenge the win.