It was a quiet, tense evening as Kenya arrived at the announcement of its new president, the fifth in its still young democracy. A violent reaction was expected from the supporters of the great loser Raila Odinga, the 77-year-old opposition leader who has set a world record of unsuccessful candidacies: no fewer than five. 
While in the Rift Valley and Mount Kenya regions William Ruto's people poured into the streets to celebrate, the first riots occurred in the slums of Kibera and Korogocho in Nairobi, fortunately without serious consequences.
The police simply decided not to intervene, except in some hot spots in the Lake Victoria region with tear gas.
There was stone throwing, cars blocked and tyres burnt, but it seemed more frustration than seeking enemies to fight, including the police. Not least because it must be remembered that the government, represented by outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta, was Odinga's ally in these elections. So the protests have remained so for now.
Many await Odinga's next move and all hope that 'baba' will be wise and not throw petrol on the fire.
Most likely, the opposition leader's coalition will appeal to the High Court, as anticipated by its chief electoral officer. On her twitter profile, vice-presidential candidate Martha Karua issued a terse warning. "It's not over until it's over.
We will see if patriotism will prevail over resentment and beliefs that the vote was rigged, and if the desire for peace will win out over resentment.