US, UK and 22 other foreign envoys laud Supreme Court verdict

Supporters of opposition leader Raila Odinga celebrate in Kibera slum after President Uhuru Kenyatta's election win was declared invalid by a court in Nairobi, Kenya, September 1, 2017. /REUTERS
Supporters of opposition leader Raila Odinga celebrate in Kibera slum after President Uhuru Kenyatta's election win was declared invalid by a court in Nairobi, Kenya, September 1, 2017. /REUTERS

The United States has joined the rest of the world in hailing the Supreme Court following its ruling on the presidential petition.

In a joint statement, heads of missions in Kenya said the court's move "demonstrated Kenya's resilient democracy and commitment to the rule of law."

"The Supreme Court's decision today on the 2017 presidential election is an important moment for Kenya," the envoys said.

The statement was signed by Robert F. Godec (US), Bruno Pozzi (EU), Ralf Heckner (Switzerland), Sara Hradecky (Canada), and Frans Makken (Netherlands).

UK's Nic Hailey, John Feakes (Australia), Harald Gunther (Austria), Julia Pataki (Romania), Javier García (Spain), and Hilde Van Inthoult of Belgium also supported the move.

Others who hailed the court are Ramses Malaty (Finland), Sergiusz Wolski (Poland), Jutta Frasch (Germany), Mette Knudsen (Denmark), Victor Conrad Rønneberg (Norway).

Antoine Sivan (France), Mauro Massoni (Italy) Constantinos Moatsos (Greece), Frantisek Dlhopolcvek (Slovakia), Luisa Fragoso (Portugal), David Pavlita (Czech Republic), Gavan Mc Cann (Ireland), and Sweden's Fredrik Folkunger said they are pleased with the decision.

The judgement, which saw President Uhuru Kenyatta's win nullified, was delivered by Justice David Maraga.

This followed a petition by NASA leader Raila Odinga on grounds that IEBC flouted the rules governing the August 8 general elections.

The envoys said they are pleased with the level of confidence Kenyans bestowed on the highest court during the petition hearing.

"Kenya's electoral institutions now must begin preparing for a new free, fair, credible, and peaceful presidential poll," Godec said.

They said that they believe that the electoral processes can be improved.

"We promise to continue to support Kenya's institutions in the next presidential election."

"As friends, we want to deepen our partnership with Kenya as it moves forward in building this great country," the envoys said.

"At this historic time, we stand with all Kenyans as they support and reaffirm their democracy, which is an example for Africa and the world."

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