By John Ikani
The national results tallying centre in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, is teeming with activity as the electoral commission finalises processes ahead of declaring the presidential results.
Desks being used for the result verification process have been cleared and the national tallying centre is being prepared for the declaration.
So far Deputy President William Ruto has a slight lead over ex-Prime Minister Raila Odinga – 51% against 48%, according to local media.
In order to win in the first round, a candidate must get 50% plus one of the cast vote and at least 25% of the votes in 24 out of 47 counties.
The final results must be announced by 16 August, according to Kenyan laws.
On Sunday, both Mr Odinga and Mr Ruto urged anxious Kenyans to be patient as they wait for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to determine which of them would be the country’s fifth president.
There have also been calls for peace from several leaders and bodies including the Catholic church which asked for “patience and civility” and urged the main candidates to show “restraint and statesmanship.”
