Burundi president 'declares' Kenyatta winner of Kenya polls

Burundi

Even as Kenyans await the results of the presidential polls in its August 8 general elections, it seems the Burundian government has called the vote for incumbent Uhuru Kenyatta.

A tweet on the official account of Burundian president, Pierre Nkurunziza congratulated 55-year-old Kenyatta for his victory. Nkurunziza becomes the first African leader to send felicitations to Kenyatta as is usually the case.

The tweet posted on Thursday afternoon also said Burundi was looking forward to bolstering relations with Kenya.

On behalf of all Burundians, I congratulate President elect @UKenyatta and the people of Kenya. Looking forward to strengthen our relations.

On behalf of all Burundians, I congratulate President elect UKenyatta and the people of Kenya. Looking forward to strengthen our relations.
— Pierre Nkurunziza (pnkurunziza) August 10, 2017

The presidential polls in Kenya, despite being largely declared as ‘peaceful, free and fair’ by observer groups has become somewhat heated following opposition claims of rigging in favour of the incumbent who is in an unassailable lead.

Kenyatta, son of the country’s first president, will if declared winner by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), go on to serve his second straight term in office.

His main rival, Raila Odinga – who leads an opposition coalition, NASA – will on the other hand have exhausted his tries to become president according to political watchers.

A loss, if confirmed, will be the 73-year-old’s fourth in total, but a third successive – 2007, 2013 and 2017. His first loss was in 1999.

He had said in the run-up to the polls that the only way the ruling Jubilee Party could secure a victory was by rigging. The IEBC for their part have dispeled claims that their system was hacked – they confirmed a failed attempt on Thursday. Results are expected to be announced on Friday.