In a victory that surprised many, William Ruto has been declared the winner of the 2022 Kenyan election. The next steps are uncertain for the nations future, though, as the potential for legal challenges and even violence is rising. Ruto won with 50.5% of the vote, where as runner-up Raila Odinga won 48.85%. The victory shocked many as not only is Odinga a fairly popular figure who has ran several times, but also had the support of current Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta. Ruto is actually Kenyattas deputy-President, but him and Ruto had a falling out which led to Kenyatta backing his formal rival, Odinga. The Kenyattas and the Odingas are two of Kenya’s most powerful and wealthy families.

“I stand before you despite intimidation and harassment. I have done my duty according to the laws of the land. In accordance with the law, I hereby declare that Ruto William Samoei has been duly elected as the president.” 

A quote from Wafula Chebukati, the chairperson of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) when he declared Ruto the winner on Monday.

The election is expected to face legal challenges as not only did Odinga say his team would pursue all legal options, but also four of seven IEBC Commissioners left the tallying centre out of protest in what they are calling an unfair and rigged election. Though the commissioners aren’t required for Ruto to be sworn in, their dissent coupled with Odingas running mate Martha Karu saying “It is not over until it is over” hints toward almost certain legal challenges. The opposition has until Monday the 22nd to challenge the results. Should they file a challenge, the Supreme Court has 14 days to make a decision on the petition. Past that if they nullify the election results, a new election will be held within 60 days. That being said it is not 100% guaranteed Odinga will challenge the results. He is 77, and his legal team would need to figure out a proper basis to achieve a successful challenge.

Odinga has ran for president 5 times now, and has challenged elections in the past, including a successful challenge in 2017. He boycotted the election that ensued, which resulted in President Kenyatta receiving 98% of the vote. The strong potential for legal challenges strikes fear in the hearts of many, in whom the memories of political violence based on election results is still fresh. Kenya has a bad history of descending into violence after elections, and did after Odinga’s legal challenge in 2017. The country deals with strong ethnic tensions.

“There is no room for vengeance”,  said Ruto during his victory speech. “I am acutely aware that our country is at a stage where we need all hands on deck”.

One of Ruto’s primary selling points was that he ran on policy, not ethnicity. During his victory speech he said that this election has “raised the bar” when it comes to Kenyan elections, stating that now politicians will have to run on an agenda they wish to accomplish, rather than their ethnicity.

“I want to promise the people of Kenya that I will run a transparent, open, democratic government”.

Ruto had humble beginnings as someone who sold chickens by the roadside. Being a self-described “Hustler” made him rather popular with younger populations, who suffer from the nations extreme economic instability. 40% of Kenyans aged 18-34 are unemployed, with the situation only worsening. Ruto coined the term “Hustler Nation” to describe those young people who do what they can to get by, and has stated his government will take a “Bottom-up approach”.

Ruto made large gains in opposition strongholds, including a landslide victory in Kenyatta and Karus home area. Young Kenyans were his primary support base.

President-elect Ruto, if sworn in successfully, has a difficult task ahead of him. The economy is in very rough shape, and the nation is in 66 million USD of debt. Ruto has proposed setting up funds and programs to tackle an array of issues, though it is unclear if Kenya can actually afford many of the programs he suggests. Many find themselves unable to afford some of the countries most basic foods.

Certainly an underdog, Ruto has attributed his victory first and foremost to God.

“I want to thank God that we are here this evening to witness this momentous occasion as the people of Kenya restate what is in article one of the constitution of Kenya. That all suffering power belongs to the people of Kenya “

“I know that there were predictions that I won’t get to the ballot. There were predictions that we won’t get here. But because there is a God in heaven, we are here”.

“I want to confess that I have been prayed into victory”.

Kenya in the near future faces uncertainty, though except for some smaller protests the nation is in an uneasy calm. It is likely Odingas actions will determine if things stay this way, or the nation once again descends into violence.

-Written by GoodHistory Contributor Sebastien G