African jurists to observe handling of Kenya's presidential election petition

Supreme Court of Kenya in Nairobi [David Njaaga, Standard]

Former Tanzania Chief Justice Mohammed Chande Othman will lead a delegation of African jurists in Kenya to observe the handling of the presidential petition.

Other delegation members are: Lady Justice Lillian Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza of the Supreme Court of Uganda, Hon. Lady Justice Ivy Kamanga from Supreme Court of Appeal of Malawi, Justice Moses Chinhengo from Court of Appeal, Lesotho, and Justice Henry Boissie Mbha, President Electoral Court of South Africa.

The jurists are expected attend all Supreme Court hearings, monitor and document the presidential election petition by international human rights standards of fair trial standards, examine the role and independence of the judiciary in examining electoral disputes, and review the socio-political climate in the run-up to the petition.

The observers under the 2022 Trial Observation Mission, will produce a comprehensive report after the trial observation to contribute to a more professional, independent, impartial, and accountable Judiciary, a more independent legal profession, and better adherence to the rule of law and international legal standards concerning the resolution of electoral disputes.

The Observation Mission will include bilateral meetings with the petition's parties, including the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP), and the Attorney General, before the hearings.

On August 15, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman Wafula Chebukati declared William Ruto of UDA President-elect after garnering 7.18 million votes (50.49 per cent) against Raila Odinga of Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya 6.94 million (48.85 per cent).

Odinga has since contested Ruto's win at Supreme Court, describing it as fraudulent.