Kenya's top Court unanimously upholds declaration of Ruto as president-elect

NAIROBI, Kenya - After a fortnight of court litigations, William Ruto, Kenya's outgoing Deputy President, will now wait to be sworn in as the fifth president of the East African nation, following the declaration by the Supreme Court that he was validly elected on August 9th.

His main challenger, Raila Odinga, who was trying his luck for the fifth time, had challenged the results in the Supreme Court days after the declaration, citing various irregularities and illegalities, which he asked the court to consider for nullification.

The seven-bench judge was unanimous that elections were conducted in accordance with various provisions including in the constitution, dismissing claims that the electoral body, IEBC colluded with Ruto's team to rig the elections to Raila's prejudices.

Chief Justice Martha Koome read the judgment which took almost 2 hours but dismissed points raised for determination by the opposition leader, including the election's technology which had been challenged by Mr. Odinga's team.

The court established that the technology used by the electoral body was "of standards and could not be infiltrated" contrary to assertions by members of the opposition. The court also established that no sufficient evidence was tabled to showcase that election were stolen.

On divisions within the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission [IEBC], the court insisted that it was a "boardroom" matter which was brought forward a little late. The court could not find evidence that four commissioners who had dismissed the results as "opaque", had issues with chairman Wafula Chebukati.

The court further established that William Ruto beat the constitutional threshold of 50% + 1 vote, and thus was "validly elected as the president of the republic of Kenya". None of the claims brought forward by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga was admitted in the court.

Monday's verdict paved for a smooth transition in Kenya, which will now see William Ruto sworn in as the fifth president of the republic of Kenya. The former Eldoret North MP has risen within the tough ranks of Kenya's gerontocratic political environment to become one of the youngest presidents.

Born in 1966 in Rift Valley, William Ruto joined Kenya's parliament at the age of 31 and went on to serve as assistant minister, Minister, and Deputy President, a position he holds to date until he's sworn in. He will take over from Uhuru Kenyatta, his once political comrade cum nemesis.

For Raila Odinga, he will be unlucky for not having gotten a chance, and this could be his last attempt given he's now 78. Mr. Odinga is however credited as one of the statesmen who has significantly contributed to enhancing democracy within and outside the republic of Kenya.

During elections, Ruto was subjected to fierce opposition from the outgoing president who openly supported Raila Odinga. The judgment by the Supreme Court is final and cannot be opposed anywhere by Raila Odinga or any other individual.

So far, Mr. Odinga and his running mate Martha Karua had not addressed the press but chances are, he's going to accept the verdict. Ruto will be assisted by Rigathi Gachagua, who now become Deputy President-elect having been jointly elected by the people.

GAROWE ONLINE