Ruto Declared Kenyan Presidential Election Victor

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has declared Deputy President William Ruto as the winner of the presidential election held on 9 August with 50.49% of the vote. At the time of writing, principal rival Raila Odinga of the Azimio coalition had yet to respond publicly; however disputes look increasingly likely. That being said: in large part the process was well regarded by international observers¹, and (b) under Kenyan law, any Supreme Court challenge must be resolved by 6 September.

Looking further ahead, party realignments are imminent with the Jubilee Party. The outgoing president Uhuru Kenyatta backed longtime opposition leader Odinga against his own deputy Ruto. This had effectively splintered the ruling Jubilee Party coalition long before the general elections last week.