Tension in Kenya as S’Court fails to sit to decide on Thursday’s presidential poll re-run

There is reported tension in Kenya following the failure of the country’s Supreme Court to sit on Wednesday to decide on a petition seeking the delay of Thursday’s presidential re-run election.

Kenya’s Chief Justice, David Maraga, on Wednesday said the apex court could not sit because there were not enough of its seven judges available to hear the petition.

The bodyguard of the deputy Chief Justice of Kenya, Philomena Mwilu, was on Tuesday shot by unknown gunmen, a reason cited for her unavailability on Wednesday.

Maraga said that Mwilu “was not in a position to come to court”. Her bodyguard was said to be receiving treatment at a Nairobi hospital.

At least five judges are needed for a quorum, but in absence of that, Mr. Maraga tendered his apologies to all parties for the failure.

According, BBC’s Alastair Leithead in Nairobi, has said that the Thursday’s poll is expected to go ahead as planned.

It is not clear yet what will be the next action of the opposition leader, Mr. Raila Odinga, who reportedly on Tuesday said there will not be any election until there is a reform of the country’s electoral system.

Meanwhile, supporters of Raila Odinga will know what they were expected to do next at a major political rally Wednesday called by the opposition leader in the capital ahead of tomorrow’s election.

Odinga is expected to make a major announcement at the rally.

Read also: KENYA: Odinga insists on ‘No reforms, No elections’, asks supporters to boycott re-run poll

But the planned rally has generated another point of conflict as police have claimed that the opposition coalition, Nasa did not reserve selected venue for the rally, with the city’s police boss saying he would not allow the rally take place.

Already, there are worries that the tensed political atmosphere could possibly lead to violence.

Recall that violence that broke out after the 2007 poll in the country left no less than 1,600 people dead and thousands displaced.

An earlier election held in August had seen incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta announced winner by the country’s electoral body. The Supreme Court had however annulled the election over claims of “irregularities and illegalities”.

 

RipplesNigeria… without borders, without fears

Click here to join the Ripples Nigeria WhatsApp group for latest updates.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now