Raila, it’s a shame you lost elections five times – Malema
South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Party leader Julius Malema has urged Azimio-One Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga to accept the poll results and move on.
The vocal politician implored Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition party chief, who was announced the runner-up in the election, to concede defeat and contain his supporters.
Speaking at the opposition parties in parliament joint press briefing on Wednesday, Malema said that it was a shame that Mr Odinga had lost presidential elections five times.
“It’s a shame Odinga has been trying, I think it is time for him to throw in the towel and try a different candidate. Perhaps there could be a different outcome. This is the fifth time, it can’t be done beyond this, he needs to accept and move on,” he said.
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He said that Kenyans must accept the results, “It is what it is”.
“With highly contested elections, and with such a very close outcome, you are likely to have people who are not satisfied. It comes with the nature of the game. Kenyans must prioritise and protect Kenya and must protect democracy, they must love their country more than loving individuals,” he added.
Julius Malema to Raila Odinga: . ACCEPT AND MOVE ON.
Raila Odinga should accept the results of the elections and act with restraint with their supporters. It should never be in the name of any presidential candidate. Kenyans must love their country more than loving individuals. pic.twitter.com/s4aCmQJNX3— Loshakire (@Loshakire) August 17, 2022
Malema’s call comes as nine Ambassadors and High Commissioners drawn from European countries on Wednesday jointly lauded the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for how it conducted the concluded general election.
In a statement, the ambassadors said the electoral process now sets a standard for the African continent.
“Kenya has set an example to the region and continent as a whole. We call upon all actors to uphold the spirit of peace in the coming weeks,” the statement read.
The nine are representing Australia, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Netherland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
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They encouraged all the political parties and leaders to follow all the existing mechanisms for dispute resolution as guided by the constitution.
On Monday, IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati announced William Ruto as the President-elect after garnering 7.1 million votes, which translates to 50.5 per cent of the total votes cast.
The Azimio La Umoja One Kenya Coalition party candidate Mr Odinga came second with 6.9 million votes, which is equal to 48.85 per cent.
However, Mr Odinga has rejected the results and hinted at contesting the election outcome in court.
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