President Uhuru says he will respect ruling on Raila’s petition

President Uhuru Kenyatta and Deputy President William Ruto

Nairobi, Kenya: President Uhuru Kenyatta says he disagrees with Supreme Court ruling but will respect it. He has urged Kenyans to maintain peace and shun tribalism.

“I respect the Supreme Court’s decision but I don’t agree with it... Millions of Kenyans queued and voted, but six people have decided that they will go against the will of Kenyans… Again I say, the Court has made its decision and we respect it but we do not agree with it,” said Uhuru who was accompanied by Deputy President William Ruto. 

He urged Kenyans to maintain peace reminding them that it was not their fault the election was nullified. President Uhuru advised Kenyans to stand strong, united in peace even as we approach fresh polls. “Your neighbour will always remain your neighbour irregardless …” said Uhuru.

President Uhuru said they were ready for fresh polls and he is confident that Jubilee will win in the re-run. He encouraged those in Opposition to campaign peacefully as the two camps are not at war. 

Uhuru Kenyatta also thanked God for the far he had brought Kenyans. He asked Kenyans to be respecters of the law and keep off divisive speech.

Raila Odinga also welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision encouraging Kenyans to go about the election period peacefully. The NASA leader however frowned upon the Court’s directive to have Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) supervise the repeat presidential election. Insisting that NASA will continue to push for access to the Commission’s results transmission servers.

Raila also called for the prosecution of IEBC CEO Ezra Chiloba and the Commission directors over submitting fraudulent results.

IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati issued a statement after the Supreme Court ruling that invalidated President Uhuru Kenyatta's re-election. Mr Chebukati indicated that the commission did justice to the election but, however, welcomed the Court’s ruling.

Chebukati called on the Director of Public Prosecutions to investigate and prosecute any member of the commission found culpable of election malpractices. He noted that IEBC will make internal changes to their staff ahead of a fresh presidential election.

The Supreme Court nullified President Uhuru's re-election, ordering a fresh presidential election within 60 days.