Court annuls Kenyan presidential result

NAIROBI, Kenya - The Supreme Court on Friday declared presidential election null and void and ordered a new vote within 60 days.

Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court David Maraga said there were gross irregularities in the Aug 8 election, which was won by incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta.

"The presidential elections held on Aug 8 were not conducted in accordance with the Constitution and therefore I declare them null and void," said Maraga.

Kenyans have waited anxiously for the court to make a ruling on the election petition filed by opposition National Super Alliance) presidential candidate Raila Odinga, who opposed Kenyatta's victory, saying it was flawed.

Odinga in his petition cited widespread electoral malpractices that included hacking gadgets that were used for transmitting votes as well as use of state resources by Kenyatta during the campaign.

Four judges ruled in favor of Odinga's petition, while two ruled against.

Maraga said the Independent Electoral and Boundary Commission failed, neglected or refused to conduct an election in keeping with the laws.

The ruling was described as historic by legal experts, who noted that the nullification of presidential elections is a rare occurrence in Africa.

The poll marked the fourth time 72 year-old Odinga had lost an election, often citing irregularities. However, the Fri-day ruling was the first time a court has supported his claim.

Odinga welcomed the ruling. "For the first time, a ruling has been made by court nullifying the elections. I want to thank the judges for doing this for the posterity of the people of Kenya," he said.

Odinga's running mate, Kalonzo Musyoka, said he was happy but added that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission must be punished.

"We will have to look deeply into the conduct of IEBC. We do not have faith that they are capable of conducting free and fair elections," he said.

Xinhua

(China Daily 09/02/2017 page13)