Developing story: IEBC to announce presidential poll results

 All set as IEBC prepares to announce presidential results for the 2022 General Election. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati is set to announce the 2022 election presidential results at 3pm, Monday August 15.

Today is day six after Kenyans went to the polls to elect their leaders including the fifth president of the republic of Kenya.

As per the law, Chebukati will read the tallies from each of the 291 constituencies before declaring the winner and president-elect. In the 2022 general election, there were four candidates: Willaim Ruto, Raila Odinga, George Wajackoyah and David Waihiga.

Early preparations

Preparations at the Bomas of Kenya started at 8:30am.

The national tallying centre was cleaned, tables moved and IEBC officials reminded those in the hall to ensure they are sitting in the right place. The IEBC has also created sitting areas for the presidential candidates and their families.

At 12:30pm, IEBC circulated an invite, indicating it will announce the results at 3pm. Security at the Bomas of Kenya is tight, seemingly to avert any situations of unrest and chaos.

 Security heightened at Bomas of Kenya before the IEBC Chiarman Wafula Chebukati announces the presidential results. Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Timeline of events

10am: The tallying process ended and cleaners started wiping floors and organising where IEBC Comissioners will sit.

10:30 am: The auditorium had been swept clean, and the tables that were initially being used by the officers verifying Forms 34A and B had all been cleared.

11 am: Supporters of political parties, election observers and diplomats were all settled in their designated seats.

 Choirs performing patriotic songs have kept the tension and anxiety down as Kenyans wait to hear who will be the fifth president of Kenya. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

IEBC officials in charge of planning and organizing have set aside the first three rows for the presidential candidates, their families and close friends.

Kenyans across the country remain anxious as they eagerly wait for Chebukati's announcement. In homes, offices and public spaces, television sets are switched on, eyes glued to the screen.

To calm nerves, the IEBC has invited several choirs aead of a historical announcement.

 Election observers awaiting IEBC to announce presidential results. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

From blue dresses to black and white, some in skirts and some in trousers the choirs have kept the people following the proceedings nodding to the tunes of their melodies, one after the other.

12noon: Agano party presidential candidate David Mwaure and the Roots Party candidate George Wajackoya arrived at the national tallying centre. The two met, had a chat and laughed heartily together before shaking hands, perhaps to tell Kenyans the competition was not personal.

2:30 pm: Ruto leaves official Karen residence for Bomas of Kenya ahead of presidential results announcement by IEBC.