China congratulates Kenyan President Kenyatta

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China has congratulated Uhuru Kenyatta on his re-election as president of Kenya, the Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

Kenyatta was formally declared winner of the country's presidential election on Friday evening, after Independent Electoral and Boundary Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati announced that he had won 8.20 million votes, or 54.27 percent of the total votes cast.

Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta (C) walks with Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi (L) and legislator Adan Duale before addressing the media outside his office in Nairobi Kenya, August 14, 2017. /Reuters Photo

"We respect the choice made by the Kenyan people," spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a press briefing, extending congratulations to Kenyatta.

China and Kenya are good friends, partners and brothers, and China stands ready to strengthen cooperation and boost bilateral ties with the Kenyan side, she said.

Kenyatta tells opposition to challenge vote in court

Kenyatta on Monday appealed to the opposition to hold legal demonstrations, not street protests, and allow Kenyans to get back to normal life after last week's disputed vote.

"To our friends who have yet to accept the outcome, we continue to appeal to them and we have extended our arm and a hand of peace, and a hand of friendship, and for them to use whatever legal mechanisms that have been created via our wonderful constitution to express their dissatisfaction," Kenyatta said.

A supporter of incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta reacts after he was announced winner of the presidential election in Nairobi, Kenya, August 11, 2017. /Reuters Photo

Opposition leader Raila Odinga's rejection of the results of Tuesday's election has led to sometimes violent clashes between his supporters and police that have seen at least 16 people killed since Friday.

Odinga has said he will announce "the next course of action" on Tuesday, leaving Kenyans on tenterhooks.

Kenyatta also urged police to use restraint as they handled pockets of protests and anger that have erupted since he was announced winner of the August 8 ballot.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga greets supporters in Nairobi, Kenya, August 13, 2017. /Reuters Photo

Businesses re-open in Nairobi despite opposition strike call

The opposition called on people to stay away from work on Monday in protest at last week's election result, but response to the call was limited with many businesses re-opening after being closed during the tense election period.

Many shops opened up again in the capital, Nairobi, and in the western town of Kisumu for the first time in days, and cars and buses were moving around on streets that had been deserted even before the result was announced.

In Kibera, Nairobi's biggest slum where opposition support is strong, minibuses and taxis were also plying their trade through the rubble-strewn streets, and some food stalls and phone and money outlets reopened their doors.

But residents there said most people were observing the opposition's call to stay away from work in protest over the vote which it says was rigged.

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Source(s): AFP ,Reuters ,Xinhua News Agency