Kabarnet and Nandi hills towns last evening erupted in celebration after Dr. William Ruto was declared the 5th President-Elect of the Republic of Kenya by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman, Wafula Chebukati.
In Kabarnet, the jubilant residents carrying placards burst in ululation, dance and song as they converged at the Central Business District (CBD) on Kabarnet-Iten-Eldoret Highway to express their immense joy and happiness for the historic victory of the Deputy President who ran on UDA ticket deputized by Rigathi Gachagua.
Movement of vehicles along the main road was temporarily halted after the crowd which is the biggest ever witnessed in the County Headquarters in the recent past took over every space in the streets to celebrate and thank God for the landslide win.
Led by Kabarnet Member of the County Assembly (MCA)- elect, Ernest Kibet, they said they were celebrating their son from who had risen from nowhere up to the highest seat in the land.
“This day is a very important day for us which calls for celebration because we believe that Ruto is capable of spearheading this country towards the right direction,” said Kibet.
Kapropita Ward MCA-elect on UDA ticket, Alex Kurui, called for restraint among the residents as the celebrations went into the night, saying that Kenyans should maintain the prevailing peace and tranquility in the country.
Kurui at the same time urged President Uhuru Kenyatta, to prepare a smooth transition for the incoming government since elections are over and unity of the country is paramount.
“Elections will come and go but our country shall remain, I urge the relevant authorities to act on a few disgruntled elements, who would want to cause anarchy,” he said.
Outgoing Bartabwa Ward MCA, Reuben Chepsongol, called on the residents to maintain peace after the elections and avoid any acts and utterances that can trigger violence.
Similar scenes were also witnessed at Marigat and Eldama Ravine towns, where thousands of residents thronged the streets to celebrate the win.
More celebrations were witnessed in Nandi Hills where the anticipatory and pensive mood that rent the air before the announcement was quickly replaced by ululations and songs of happiness.
Dr Ruto, who is the Deputy President in Uhuru Kenyatta’s Administration, emerged the winner after garnering 7,176,141 votes against his closest rival, Raila Odinga, who managed to get 6,942,930
Winnie Kosgei, a vendor at the Nandi Hills Wakulima market, commended Mr. Chebukati for standing strong amidst the challenges that were witnessed earlier at the Bomas of Kenya, where the presidential results were announced.
“Our patience has finally paid-off, we have been waiting for the results for almost a week now. I’m happy that we’ve finally carried the day,” she added.
Samson Serem, a religious leader commended the Electoral Commission for conducting a credible election and Kenyans for turning out to exercise their democratic right and further urged residents to maintain peace and come in terms with the results.
“Peaceful co-existence is a catalyst for development and economic growth. It is now imperative that everyone goes back to their day-to-day activities for progress,” he pointed out.
By KNA team
