Karua concedes defeat, ready to work with Uhuru

Narc-Kenya presidential candidate Martha Karua has conceded defeat after finishing sixth in the General Election.

Ms Karua said she respected the outcome and would work with Uhuru Kenyatta, who according to provisional results had won the presidential race.

“I and my Running mate Hon Lotodo, wish to formally congratulate Hon Uhuru Kenyatta, the President Elect of the Republic of Kenya together with his running mate Hon William Ruto. Kenyans have spoken and we respect their decision,” Ms Karua said Saturday.

Her concession was posted on her Facebook page where she also revealed that the candidates for the top seat had pledged to abide by the results. 

“We had pledged to abide by the results of the electoral process and hereby keep that promise to Kenyans. We wish the incoming government well and urge them to uphold the constitution. We are embarking on a great moment in history and we have been honoured to be a part of this historic election and the transition into the new dispensation, “she said.

The figures from all the 290 constituencies plus the diaspora votes put Ms Karua at number six, 43,881 votes, just ahead of Restore and Build Kenya James Ole Kiyiapi (40,998) and Paul Muite of Safina (12,580) votes.

Ms Karua was the only female presidential candidate in the race that was earlier shaped up by the formation of coalitions, Cord, Jubilee and Amani, that political analysts gave them a higher chance to victory. She did not form any alliance but chose to go it alone.

In defeat, she thanked her family and her party’s secretariat for their support and will to ensure she ran.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission provisional results showed that Mr Kenyatta had attained the required votes to beat a second round of voting. As per the results he had 6,173,433 valid votes (50.03 per cent) out of a total cast of 12,338,667. His closest challenger Raila Odinga got 5,340,546 (43.28 per cent).

Mr Odinga, also the Prime Minister, has said he will challenge the results at the Supreme Court. Ms Karua said dissatisfied candidates were free to contest the results but through right channels.

“To all presidential candidates, this is the time when we must do that which is required of leaders, concede defeat or seek legal redress should one have a grievance,” she urged and called on party leaders to rein on their supporters as the final results are made.

“We should take responsibility for our party and supporters statements, and actions, and to communicate to all that violence is not an option. Kenyans have demonstrated that they want a peaceful transition and we must honour this. Loss in elections is not permanent, but consequences of violence are! Let us embrace winning and losing as expected outcomes of a democratic contest,” she said.