Celebration broke out Monday evening in the streets of Kisii and other areas, as Deputy President William Ruto was declared President-elect.
The crowd surged into thousands. Youths wearing yellow vests and pullovers sang and danced to congratulate Ruto on his victory.
Boda boda riders and motorists jammed the streets, hooting in solidarity.
"Today marks my best day ever, to savour this victory together with our President-elect. He deserved it!" Anthony Onkundi said. He is the Gesusu MCA-elect who won on the UDA ticket.
Mary Moraa, a clothes vendor, said patience was already growing thin as Kenyans waited for the announcement.
"The declaration today marks the beginning of a new journey for the country. Let's close the chapter of dynasties, it is a historic win for the son of a peasant," she told journalists at the Capital Roundabout, downtown Kisii.
More celebrations were reported in Ogembo, Masimba, Gesusu, Nyangusu, Suneka and Nyamarambe towns.
Kisii elected four MPs and a number of MCAs on UDA tickets.
Kefa Ongeri called the Star from Masimba to say,"Freedom has come. It is sweet victory, a product of battles in the political trenches by Ruto. God be praised."
Losing UDA candidate in the Kisii governor's race Ezekiel Machogu, his running mate Migosi Ogamba and Senate candidate Joash Maangi praised God for Ruto's victory.
Migosi called Chebukati a patriot and champion of democracy who overcame state threats and impunity to declare Ruto the President-elect.
"As we celebrate Ruto, we will not forget to laud him for rejecting the threats he spoke about for the sake of democracy. Kudos," Migosi said.
Machogu said Ruto had come a long way, with a long way to go.
Others who spoke to the Star said they look forward to a flourishing economic future as ruto assumes office.
Lawyer Wilkins Achoki said though he had been rooting for Azimio leader Raila Odinga to win, the victory by Ruto was decisive.
"I look forward to his building bridges and unite the country. He should bring close those who did not vote for him. Elections are behind us now," Achoki said.
He told the new president-elect to ensure completion of projects abandoned because they were associated to him.
(Edited by V. Graham)
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