William Ruto Takes The Lead In Kenya’s Presidential Election Race

Deputy President William Ruto edged past his main rival Raila Odinga in Kenya’s presidential election.

According to figures from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) which tallied results from nearly 50 per cent of constituencies, it says Ruto scored 51.25 per cent of the vote on Sunday, reversing earlier gains for Odinga, who had 48.09 per cent.

The electoral commission has until Tuesday to declare a winner. The winning candidate must receive 50 percent of the national vote plus one, and at least 25 percent of the vote from 24 of 47 counties.

Odinga and Ruto are in a tight race to succeed President Uhuru Kenyatta, who has reached his two-term limit.

Kenyatta has endorsed Odinga after falling out with Ruto following the last election.

Both frontrunners have pledged to ensure calm after the outcome is known.

Kenyan has been known for political turmoil as the deadly violence that followed the 2017 and 2007 polls.

More than 1,200 people were killed after the disputed 2007 elections and more than 100 were killed after the 2017 elections.