Ruto: Judiciary, IEBC are heroes of my victory

He said the unanimous decision of the Supreme Court of Kenya, lengthy, suspense-filled, and protracted election has come to an end after he and other presidential candidates presented their respective cases before Kenyans and submitted themselves to their sovereign decision at the ballot.

He celebrated mama mboga and boda boda operators, IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati and the commissioners as the heroes of his victory.

"It is now time for us to prepare for the day when we take up the momentous duty to serve Kenyans. Let us all reflect on our contribution and look forward to building this nation together." An elated Ruto said the Judiciary had afforded the nation an opportunity to reflect, debate and come to terms with the implications of the last election.

"I do not take this for granted and I thank the Judiciary in general, and the Supreme Court in particular, for staying strong as the shining beacon of constitutionalism and the rule of law, even in the most daunting of circumstances," said Ruto.

Ruto said the Constitution of Kenya 2010 had done a lot to create comfort in institutions and the rule of law, and Kenya will continue to make encouraging progress on the path towards becoming a higher-trust society standing fully on its constitution.

"It was, therefore, perfectly legitimate for the petitioners to go before the Supreme Court to have their questions answered, doubts assuaged and fears allayed," he said.

At the same time, Ruto congratulated Azimio la Umoja One Kenya's Raila Odinga and Martha Karua, Agano Party's Waihiga Mwaure and Ruth Mucheru, Roots Party's George Wajackoyah and Justina Wamae for presenting themselves as presidential candidates and observed that a national campaign is not a walk in the park.

"Those who voted for me, as well as those who voted for my competitors want the same thing for themselves and for their children," said the president-elect.

The president-elect ruled out any handshake with the opposition insisting that it would be expected to play its role of putting his government to account.