DP Ruto, Raila and Kalonzo arrive at Bomas of Kenya

The National Super Alliance (NASA) presidential candidate, Raila Odinga, has arrived at the National Tallying Centre at the Bomas of Kenya ahead of the announcement of the winner in Tuesday’s presidential election.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman, Wafula Chebukati, said the polls body will announce the winner in the race for President on Friday, August 11.

Raila was accompanied to the Bomas of Kenya by NASA’s chief agent Musalia Mudavadi and alternate chief agent, James Orengo.

A few minutes later, Raila’s running mate, Kalonzo Musyoka, made his way to the Bomas of Kenya.

Shortly after Kalonzo’s arrival, Deputy President William Ruto, made his way to the National Tallying Centre ahead of the big announcement.

With 99.12 per cent of results from polling centers tallied – as at 1:00 pm –, Uhuru had garnered 8,175,227 votes (54.25 per cent) compared to Odinga’s 6,762,820 (44.86 per cent).

On Thursday (August 10), Odinga made an allegation against the IEBC, saying the ICT system of the Commission was hacked to skew figures in favour of President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The IEBC, through its Chair, Wafula Chebukati, and CEO, Ezra Chiloba, however denied Odinga’s claims, saying there were attempts to hack into the IEBC’s ICT system, but the unknown hackers’ efforts were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile, international observers, led by former United States Secretary of State, John Kerry, gave the IEBC a clean bill of health, saying that the electoral referee was fair in its conduction of the entire process.

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s security team, his official seat, and his protocol officers arrived at the Bomas of Kenya in Nairobi shortly after 10:00 am in anticipation of the announcement of the winner in the August 8 presidential race.

Pictures from the Bomas of Kenya show a myriad activities taking place, with sources saying President Kenyatta’s security team arrived at the Bomas of Kenya as early as Thursday evening.

Sources further say the Head of State was at his Gatundu home in Kiambu County Friday morning, when the arrangements were ongoing.

Deputy President William Ruto is also expected to make his way to the Bomas of Kenya Friday afternoon.

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Ambassador Amina Mohamed, and her Defense counterpart, Raychelle Omamo, had arrived at the Bomas of Kenya as at 10 am Friday.

Energy Cabinet Secretary, Charles Keter, his Tourism counterpart, Najib Balala, Water CS Eugene Wamalwa, among others made their way to the Bomas of Kenya at 11:15 am Friday.

Other state dignitaries present at the Bomas of Kenya include: Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Ambassador Monica Juma and Government spokesperson, Eric Kiraithe.

Garissa town MP-elect, Aden Duale, who was the Majority Leader in the 11th National Assembly, also made his way to the Bomas of Kenya 11 am Friday.

United States Ambassador to Kenya, Robert Godec, also made his way to the Bomas of Kenya, where he addressed the media at 11:20 am, urging Kenyans to maintain peace regardless the outcome of the election.

“Democracy is never easy and is always a work in progress,” said Mr Godec.

British High Commissioner to Kenya Nic Hailey was also present.

The preparations went on with data on IEBC website showing President Kenyatta was ahead of NASA presidential candidate Raila Odinga with over 1.4 million votes.