Kenya's Supreme Court upholds Kenyatta election win

Kenya's Supreme Court has made a significant decision by upholding the re-election of President Uhuru Kenyatta in the October 26th repeat poll. The Court, led by Chief Justice David Maraga, unanimously dismissed two petitions seeking to nullify the election. Elvis Abenga, Advocate of the High Court, provided insights into the background of the cases and the rationale presented to the bench. The decision to uphold Kenyatta's election win was a departure from the previous ruling, as this time it was a unanimous decision without any dissenting judges. The full bench was convened to address the criticism faced after the initial ruling, ensuring a comprehensive and definitive decision on the matter. Abenga highlighted three key issues raised in the petitions that were brought before the Court. One of the key issues raised in the petitions was the validity of the election, particularly in light of opposition leader Raila Odinga's withdrawal from the race. Another contentious issue was the partial participation of constituencies in the election due to ongoing demonstrations, which raised concerns about the requirement for a presidential election in every constituency as per the constitution. Additionally, questions of legitimacy and rigging of votes were raised, although unlike the previous petition that focused on result transmission, this case centered on compliance with constitutional requirements for the election. The Supreme Court's decision to uphold President Kenyatta's victory signals a conclusion to the legal challenges following the controversial election. The Court's unanimous ruling underscores the importance of upholding constitutional standards and ensuring transparency in the electoral process. Despite the challenges and criticisms faced, the judiciary's independence and commitment to upholding the rule of law have been reaffirmed through this decision. Moving forward, the focus will shift towards governance and addressing the issues raised during the election process. The political landscape in Kenya remains polarized, and efforts to foster unity and dialogue will be crucial in moving the country towards stability and progress. As the dust settles on the legal battle, the Kenyan people look towards a future guided by democratic principles and inclusive governance.