SPEECH OF KENYATTA

PRESIDENT Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday went public after the verdict, saying he disagreed with the Supreme Court ruling but will respect it.

He urged Kenyans to maintain peace and shun tribalism. Kenya has all along been battling tribalism, a problem that has existed since independence. President Kenyatta in his speech was confident that Jubilee would still win.

Kenyatta urged those in Opposition to campaign peacefully as the two camps are not at war. He also thanked God for the far He had brought Kenyans. He asked Kenyans to be respecters of the law.

IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati issued a statement after the Supreme Court ruling that invalidated President Uhuru Kenyatta’s re-election, saying the Commission did justice to the election but, however, welcomed the court’s ruling.

Chebukati called upon the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to investigate and prosecute any member of the Commission found culpable of election malpractices. He noted that IEBC would make internal changes to their staff ahead of a fresh presidential election.

The Chair also urged the Supreme Court to act fast and provide a detailed ruling within 21 days so that the Commission can correct the errors committed. He also made it clear that he will not resign from his position.

The Supreme Court issued the historic ruling as envoys serving in Kenya issued statements to congratulate Kenyans.

In their statements, the foreign envoys in Kenya termed the Supreme Court’s decision to nullify President Kenyatta’s victory as “an example for Africa and the world” They also congratulated the Kenyan people for “showing patience and confidence” in the legal system.

No presidential election in Kenya has ever been nullified before. “Kenya’s electoral institutions must now begin preparing for a new presidential poll later this year and we urge everyone to work to make it free, fair, credible and peaceful.

We have trust in the ability of Kenya and its citizens to do so,” the statement read. In the ruling issued yesterday, the court said the electoral board committed “irregularities and illegalities” during last month’s vote, harming the integrity of the election.

The court also ordered another presidential election to be held within 60 days. Envoys, who appended their signatures, include United States Ambassador to Kenya Robert Godec and Nic Hailey, the High Commissioner for the United Kingdom. Others are Bruno Pozzi (European Union), Jutta Frasch (Germany), Ralf Hecner (Switzerland) and Mette Knudsen (Denmark).

Amnesty International also termed the ruling that overturned the results of the August 8 presidential election as historic. It “sets an example for the rest of the world,” the human rights group added in a statement by Justus Nyang’aya, its director for Kenya.

“We urge all parties to comply with the judgment and call upon the police to observe restraint in their handling of any celebrations or protests that may follow this landmark ruling,” Mr Nyang’aya said.

Celebrations among Nasa supporters were seen after the Supreme Court nullified the re-election of President Kenyatta. There were huge celebrations in Kisumu following the delivery of the judgment in Nairobi by judges led by Chief Justice David Maraga.

There were also celebrations in Kisii Town as the news of the judgment were received with Nasa supporters singing in praises of their leaders. Reacting to the judgment, Kisii Governor James Ongwae said Nasa has finally been vindicated in its insistence that “the poll was doomed and could not be relied to give a proper outcome.”