On Tuesday, August 16, the national dailies covered extensively the declaration of Deputy President William Ruto as the president-elect following a tight race even as four senior Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioners disowned the results.
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The newspapers also highlighted how IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati weathered defied hours of stalemate, division and intimidation and made the declaration that millions had been waiting since Tuesday, August 9 when they went to the polls.
Kenyan Newspapers Review for August 16, 2022
- Daily Nation
According to the daily Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party leaders have intimidated that they will head to court to challenge the presidential results announced on Monday, August 15.
Breaking her silence after the announcement of Ruto as the president-elect, Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition Party running mate Martha Karua hinted about an impending court battle ahead.
“It is not over until it is over;” Karua tweeted.
The coalition spokesperson Makau Mutua was categorical, saying the declaration by Chebukati is null and void.
- The Standard
The newspaper reported that blows were exchanged in the full glare of the media cameras and four IEBC cameras deserted Chebukati at the Bomas of Kenya and staged a parallel announcement at Serena Hotel, distancing themselves from the results the chairman was set to announce.
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Still, Chebukati soldiered on and declared that he had been under a lot of pressure to declare the wrong winner, but he had chosen to follow the law and declare Ruto as the country’s fifth president.
“I feel proud this is my last election but those who will come after me will find an independent institution,” said Chebukati.
In his statement, Chebukati stressed that Kenyans had voted and he was duty bound to announce the results which reflected the will of the people.
- Taifa Leo
According to the Swahili publication, Kenyatta University Vice Chancellor Paul Wainaina has officially been dismissed from his service. Acting Vice Chancellor Wacheke Wanjohi said in an internal memo to all members of staff and students that any communication or instructions from Wainaina are now null and void.
Wainaina was first sacked on July 12 following a standoff between him and the government over a piece of university land earmarked for investment. Days later, Wainaina was granted temporary reprieve after the Employment and Labour Relations court ordered his reinstatement.
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- People Daily
The newspaper reported that chaos erupted in Kisumu on Monday, August 15 following the declaration of Ruto, the Kenya Kwanza leader as the president-elect. Chebukati declared Ruto and his running mate Rigathi Gachagua as the president and deputy president-elect respectively.
Soon after the declaration, wide protests were witnessed in various parts of the country as residents took to the streets to express their dissatisfaction with the declared presidential results.
Business came to a standstill in the lakeside city during the late hours of Monday evening as protesters thronged the streets to express their discontent.
- The Star
Ruto said he spoke to his competitor Raila Odinga before the results of the Tuesday, August 9 General Election was declared. Ruto said he was yet to talk to President Uhuru Kenyatta on the political development saying he was anticipating it’d happen soon.
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He, however, ruled out a handshake with Raila or his competitors, saying anyone opposed to the results declared by Chebukati should go to court. Ruto said he would work with the lot so that they play an effective opposition role.