Raila Odinga: We'll pursue truth and justice in peace

Religious leaders from different denominations met Raila Odinga yesterday as part of efforts to unite Kenyans after declaration of the presidential election results.

Led by Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops chair Martin Kivuva and Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Bishop Jackson ole Sapit, the clerics called on Kenyans to remain calm as Raila's camp prepares to challenge President-elect William Ruto's win in court.

This comes against the backdrop of a split Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) where four commissioners accused chair Wafula Chebukati of sidelining them and declaring the presidential results alone while Chebukati accused them of pushing for a re-run.

Raila, who was in the company of his running mate Martha Karua and Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka, said their quest in court is to establish the truth especially after the split in IEBC hours before the announcement.

"We want to do that to defend our democracy that many fought for and others died for. It is our responsibility for those of us who remained behind to ensure that what happened shouldn't take us back. We want to move forward," Raila told the clergy.

"We have said we don't want to see any violence in our country. We want peace and that's why we have decided to use the law and go before the court and present the evidence to prove that what transpired was a joke and not an election."

Bishop Kivuva said; "All of us are saying that as we defend peace and justice, let us have patience so that the truth can be established in court. Let's wait for the outcome peacefully."

"They have decided to pursue truth and justice through the legal systems of the court which is what we have been advocating. That instead of people going to the streets, let us pursue our democracy in peace and know what really happened," said Bishop Sapit.

On Wednesday, Raila criticised Chebukati for what he said was impunity. "If those who were given the duty of conducting the election could do such embarrassing things, that means our democracy is still far from its maturity," Raila said yesterday.

Raila said the results announced by Chebukati have left many Kenyans sad even as others celebrate the victory of their preferred candidate.

"At this moment, nobody can even be happy that there is a winner. What has happened is surprising and many are still in state of sadness and disbelief. It is true there are few who are happy and are celebrating and that is there democratic right," said Raila.

Bishop Sapit said the church will continue reaching out to all Kenyans to ensure there is unity and peace. "We have visited other political players and we will continue to reach out to everybody because it is the duty of religious leaders to hold the nation together," said Sapit.