Celebrations in Kisumu as Mudavadi tells IEBC to declare Raila as President

Residents of Kondele in Kisumu chant celebratory songs along the road past a police lorry with security officers on August 10,2017 evening after a presser by NASA principal Musalia Mudavadi who said NASA has evidence that Raila Odinga has more votes than president Uhuru Kentayya. (Photo: Denish Ochieng/ Standard)

Supporters of the National Super Alliance (NASA) presidential candidate Raila Odinga took to the streets of Kisumu town to celebrate his 'win'.

In a statement read by NASA co-principal Musalia Mudavadi, NASA had demanded that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) should release the polls results and declare Raila president.

In Kisumu, this demand was taken as an affirmation that Raila was poised to become president, triggering street celebrations that caught many by surprise.

Town residents initially rushed for cover, thinking there was a protest against the emerging outcome of the presidential election results. Police rushed to Kondele and Kachok thinking the crowds were rioting.

Residents poured into the streets of Kondele at dusk, singing and dancing in celebration of Raila's 'victory'.

The celebrations began a few minutes after Mr Mudavadi said the Opposition leaders had met with Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials and demonstrated that Raila had actually won the presidency.

Their supporters said it was now up to IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati to declare Raila president and vowed not to accept any announcement to the contrary.

[Kevine Omollo]