GO TO COURT

Germany urges agrieved politicians to seek legal redress

The Apex Court is mandated to determine disputes relating to the election of the President.

In Summary

• They said the leaders should resolve their differences and matters that involve the country's welfare through the existing legal procedures.

• The Supreme Court on August 7 released timelines for filing and hearing presidential petitions that may arise from the general election.

Several candidates who lost in the election have indicated they will go to court to challenge the results.
Several candidates who lost in the election have indicated they will go to court to challenge the results.
Image: FILE

The Nairobi Germany Embassy has urged parties and political leaders to unite the country and work together peacefully.

They said the leaders should resolve their differences and matters that involve the country's welfare through the existing legal procedures.

"To remain peaceful and to refrain from violence is key. It is this spirit that makes Kenya strong and that Kenyans can be so proud of. Resolve all remaining issues through the existing legal procedures,"  they said.

Germany, however, congratulated the county for peaceful elections. 

"We congratulate the people of Kenya for a peaceful, free and fair election. The commitment of Kenyan political parties, wananchi, the civil society, churches and private sector is impressive and a real celebration of the democratic spirit."

The embassy made the announcement a day after Deputy President William Ruto was announced as the President-elect by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission chairman Wafula Chebukati.

He garnered 7,176,141 votes, against his close rival Raila Odinga who received 6,942,930 votes which is 48.85 per cent of the vote.

Several leaders and other individuals allied with Raila did not accept the win and said they will take a step to challenge it.

The Supreme Court on August 7 released timelines for filing and hearing presidential petitions that may arise from the general election.

The Supreme Court is mandated by Article 163 of the Constitution to hear and determine disputes relating to the election of the President.

Persons aggrieved by the outcome of a presidential election for whatever reason have seven days from the day results are declared to file their petitions.


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