Presidential election petition calls for Solomonic wisdom in ruling

Kethi Kilonzo

“The responsibility of IEBC to deliver a credible and acceptable election is so grave and so awesome that it must approach and execute it with absolute fealty, probity and integrity. IEBC must be truly above suspicion and command respect from the people of Kenya for whom it acts. Much depends on it, indeed the present and future peace of the country.”

This prophetic announcement was made by the Court of Appeal on June 23rd when it decided that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman had no power to change the results of the Presidential Election. His role was limited to receiving results from the 290 Constituency Returning Officers, tallying and announcing the results, and declaring the winner.