Activities in Nanyuki town came to a standstill Monday evening as residents celebrated Dr William Ruto’s win as the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati, announced him as the president-elect in the just concluded General Elections.
The excited crowds chanted pro-Ruto slogans while Boda Boda operators rode around the town blaring their horns in the celebrations.
The celebrating riders and motorists jammed the main Nanyuki- Nyeri highway blocking it while hooting in solidarity leading to a massive traffic jam along the busy road.
The celebrations that went on until past 9.00 pm however elicited panic from traders who hurriedly closed their businesses for fear of looting from the uncontrollable crowd that was growing bigger by the minute.
Grace Wanjeri, who runs a greengrocery shop in the town hurriedly closed her business and together with her three-year-old daughter headed to her house at Thingithu estate on the outskirts of the town.
“I can’t risk being in the town anymore especially now that I have a child with me and I also fear that my business might be raided and looted. I can’t talk anymore, let me rush home please,” Wanjeri told this reporter.
Teddy Wangai, a resident of the town who was following the victory celebrations from a balcony at Nanyuki mall said that he was disappointed that his preferred presidential candidate Azimio’s Raila Odinga had not been declared the winner.
“I am just watching them celebrate but I can’t join them since he (William Ruto) was not my chosen candidate, but I am happy there is peace.”
By Martin Munyi
