Kenya Election: Osinbajo Congratulates Uhuru Kenyatta

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has congratulated President Uhuru Kenyatta on his re-election as President of the Republic of Kenya.

Osinbajo made this known in a letter issued by Laolu Akande, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President.

Kenyatta, the 55-year-old son of the country’s founding President, was declared the winner, Friday, defeating veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga for a second five-year term.

The Acting President said Kenyatta’s re-election was a clear testimony to his selfless service to Kenya and the giant strides he took to transform the country in the last few years.

In the letter Osinbajo wished the Kenyan leader “a very successful new term in office.’’

He also extended his best wishes to the people of Kenya on the “successful” conclusion of the general elections.

He said: “I have the honour on behalf of the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to congratulate you on your successful re-election as the President of the Republic of Kenya.

“Permit me, therefore, to use this momentous occasion to reiterate Nigeria’s support and cooperation with Kenya in our collective determination to advance the development of Africa and its people.’’

Protests and violence broke out after Kenyatta was declared winner.

Most of the demonstrators were supporters of Odinga, who has rejected the results of the presidential election, calling the vote rigged. National election officials have decried the accusations, saying the vote was free and credible.

Protests erupted in and around Kisumu, a stronghold of Odinga. One person was killed overnight in Kisumu, police said.