Uhuru’s 26th October Victory Challenged at the Supreme Court Again
The former Kilome MP, Harun Mwau challenged Uhuru’s victory on 6th October at the supreme court. He argues that Uhuru was not re-elected validly as the supreme court ordered. He has listed the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the Chairman Wafula Chebukati, and Uhuru Kenyatta as first, second, and third respondent respectively.
Harun Mwau filed the case through a lawyer (Omwanza Ombati) few hours before the deadline for filing petitions challenging Uhuru’s victory.
He further argues that the repeat election was, to begin with a fresh nomination of the presidential candidates as ordered by the supreme court. The presidential candidates were not nominated, no fees, and they were not given enough time to campaign. This affected the results directly on 26th October.
Uhuru Kenyatta was declared the winner after getting 98% of the total votes cast. The main opposition candidate, Raila Odinga withdrew from the race two weeks to fresh elections. Raila Odinga stated that he could not participate in a pre-determined election and lack of confidence in the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Mr. Harun Mwau had filed a petition before 26th October to block the election but the case was dismissed.
The supreme court has seven days to rule on the petitions. If the court upholds the result, Uhuru Kenyatta will be sworn in on 28th November 2017.
Some human rights groups stated that the government tried to prevent them from filing cases challenging Uhuru’s victory. The NGOs Co-ordination Board for the government that monitors the civil society organizations, on Monday summon three groups for an audit.
Kura Yangu Sauti Yangu said that it was not a coincidence that the NGO Coordination Board decided to go after the organizations. The three groups were instrumental calling for a credible, free, and fair election.
The Kura Yangu Sauti Yangu is a society that monitored the election. The name is loosely translated to My Vote My Voice.
The three groups that belong to the coalition include Muslims for Human rights, Inuka Trust, and Katiba Institute.
Feel free to let us know what you think in the comments section.
