Kenya’s presidential race: Early results put Odinga slightly ahead

Official results provided by the Kenyan election commission have shown that veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga led Kenya’s presidential race.

The results, which were displayed on a large screen at a national tallying centre in the capital, Nairobi, also pushed Deputy President William Ruto into second place.

We’ll Resolve APC Crisis Before 2023 – Sen Abdullahi Adamu

Commonwealth medalists deserve national honours

The results, with just over 26 % of votes counted, Odinga had 54% and Ruto had 45%.

Ruto and Odinga are in a tight race to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta, who has reached his two-term limit. Kenyatta fell out with Ruto after the last election and has endorsed Odinga.

Official vote tallying has been proceeding slowly, fueling public anxiety.

Election commission chairman Wafula Chebukati blamed party agents, who are allowed to scrutinise results forms before they are added to the final tally.

The winning candidate must receive 50% of the national vote plus one, and at least 25% of the vote from 24 of 47 counties.

The commission has until Tuesday to declare a winner.