Shops closed in Kisumu ahead of Chebukati announcement

Several shops in Kisumu have been closed ahead of the declaration of presidential results by the IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati at Bomas Kenya.

A spot check by the Star in the City's CBD and Kisumu bus park established that most business people have closed their shops in fear of looting.

Traders in the streets have also left with their goods.

The Chebukati-led commission was scheduled to announce the winner by 3 pm but was pushed to 4 pm.

Azimio presidential candidate Raila Odinga and UDA's Deputy President William Ruto are eagerly waiting for the announcement.

Supporters of Raila started celebrating in the streets and Kondele as early as 11 am expecting that he will win the presidency.

Hundreds of supporters have thronged Kondele to celebrate.

Supermarkets such as Naivas, Quickmart and Chandarana were closed by 2 pm over panic.

Workers were allowed to leave immediately.

Police officers have also been patrolling the CBD's streets to contain any eventuality.

However, residents continued to celebrate hoping that Raila will carry the day in the hotly contested presidential contest.

They were blowing whistles and vuvuzela.