The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) yesterday called on the incoming president to reach out to his opponents.

Speaking ahead of the declaration by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission of Deputy President William Ruto as the next Head of State, NCIC chairman Samuel Kobia said the election was peaceful compared to the other polls.

“We urge the winner to reach across the divide to make peace and forge ahead. We ask for the runner-up to be dignified and treated with decorum. This also applies to the citizenry: Let us all be magnanimous and appreciate the pain we all feel when we lose,” he said in a statement.

Kobia congratulated candidates who have already conceded defeat.

“We commend leaders who have accepted defeat peacefully and those who are seeking legal redress peacefully,” he said.

He added: “We would like therefore to urge all Kenyans to accept the results and allow any issues that may arise to be addressed by our courts which have proven over time to be able to give sober judgement in electoral disputes.”

NCIC called on Kenyans to refrain from insulting one another about the outcome of the elections.

“We all are brothers and sisters and Kenya needs us to remain so, no matter our political affiliations,” Kobia said.

He also lauded President Uhuru Kenyatta for being calm throughout the polls.

“We should also laud our President. He has been calm all through. He has been peaceful and as a country we should honour him for that,” he said.