ADDIS ABABA: Dissension and unrest is brewing in Kenya after the country's election commission officially announced election results on Saturday, handing the recent poll to Uhuru Kenyatta, the son of Kenya's founding leader, by the narrowest of margins. Kenyatta won the vote with 50.07 percent, earning the victory without being forced into a run-off. But the rival parties are crying foul. Prime Minister Raila Odinga, earned 43.31 percent of the vote, and said that he plans to challenge the outcome in court. The constitution requires a 50 percent plus one vote for an outright win. His victory puts the West in a quandary. Kenyatta is facing trial at the International Criminal Court over post-election violence that plunged the nation into chaos in 2007. Shortly after election officials announced the results, he thanked citizens for bestowing him the leadership role and vowed to work for everyone. “We celebrate the triumph of democracy; the triumph of peace; the triumph of nationhood,” Kenyatta said. “Despite the misgivings of many in the world, we demonstrated a level of political maturity that surpassed expectations.” Winning parties should remain “modest in victory,” he said, acknowledging that nearly half the nation did not vote for him. Excited supporters took to the streets, speeding down crowded streets, honking and chanting his name. For many Kenyans however, the results show the divide the country is currently facing and many residents told Bikyanews.com that they fear for an outbreak of violence if the parties are not able to work together and overcome the close race. BN
