BREAKING: Ruto is the new Kenya president

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After days of nail biting and anxiety, William Ruto has now been declared the 5th Kenyan President.

He was announced winner of the tightly contested race by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission a few minutes ago.

He garnered 50.49% against Odinga’s 48.85%.

Ruto’s win is a kick in the teeth for President Uhuru Kenyatta, who backed Odinga.

Ruto and Kenyatta had formed a loose alliance in 2013 that saw them control State  House for two terms. However in 2018 following the famous “handshake” Uhuru ditched Ruto for Odinga.

Ruto also becomes the first presidential candidate in Kenya to to win the election at the first time of asking. Kibaki failed in 1997 while Kenyatta failed in 2002.

Odinga’s loss means he has lost against four of Kenya’s five presidents. In 1997 he lost to Arap Moi, in 2007 he lost to Mwai Kibaki, in 2013 and 2017 he lost to Uhuru Kenyatta, now he has lost to Ruto, who was his running mate in 2007.

Hundreds of police officers in riot gear were seen patrolling the streets of Nairobi, fearing an eruption of violence.