Kenya's Uhuru Kenyatta declared president

President elect Uhuru Kenyatta (L) and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Issack Hassan stand for the national anthem at the Bomas of Kenya in capital Nairobi, March 9, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

NAIROBI  - Kenya's presidential candidate Uhuru Kenyatta was on Saturday declared 4th president after gaining 50.07 percent of total votes, chairman of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Isaack Hassan announced.

"I therefore declare Uhuru Kenyatta the duly elected president of the Republic of Kenya," the chairman said, adding Kenyatta attained 25 percent in 32 out of 47 counties required to avoid a run-off.

For an outright victory in the first round, a candidate must garner at least 50 percent plus one of all votes cast, in addition to getting at least 25 percent of the votes in 24 counties out of 47.

Kenyatta, son of the founding president of Kenya, defeated its closest rival Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

"Today, we celebrate the triumph of democracy and peace," Kenyatta said in his first address after election. "We have demonstrated a level of maturity that has surpassed expectations. We upheld order and respected the rule of law," he said. He also expressed his thanks to his "old brother Raila for his spirited campaign".

"I will work for the good of the people of Kenya regardless of their party affiliation," Kenyatta said, adding "my government will protect rights of Kenyans without fear or favor."

He also offered friendship to opponents and a call to work to all Kenyans.

He assured his commitment to the ICC process, and wanted the international community to accept his Presidency.

"We recognize and accept our international obligations and will cooperate with international institutions," he said, expecting the international community to respect the sovereign will of the people of Kenya.