Admin l Saturday, September 02, 2017
NAIROBI, Kenya– There are mixed feelings in Kenya, following annulment of the August 8, 2017 Presidential election won by President Uhuru Kenyatta of the National Alliance Party, NAP.
While there is jubilation among the opposition, the rulling party is embittered by the decision.
The six-judge panel ruled 4-2 in favour of a petition filed by Raila Odinga of the National Super Alliance (Nasa) , who claimed the electronic voting results were hacked and manipulated in favour of the incumbent.
Kenyatta was declared winner after securing 54% of the total votes.
According to the judges: “The election commission failed, neglected or refused to conduct the presidential election in a manner consistent with the dictates of the constitution.”
The court called for a fresh election which must be held within 60 days based on Kenyan Constitution.
Speaking after the election, President Kenyatta said he disagreed with the verdict but respects it. “I disagree with it but I repect it. Millions of people queued , but 6 people have annuled it”, he said.
The Kenyan heads of mission, including the UK and US, issued a joint statement saying the court’s decision “demonstrated Kenya’s resilient democracy and commitment to rule of law”.
