Kenya’s Supreme Court on Monday unanimously upheld William Ruto’s presidential win in a stinging judgment that tore through opposition leader Raila Odinga’s accusations of cheating.
After the judgement was pronounced, Odinga tweeted that he would respect the ruling even though he did not agree with it, easing fears that Kenya would see any repeat of the violence and tension that followed disputed polls in 2007 and 2017.
We have always stood for the the rule of law and the constitution.
In this regard, we respect the opinion of the court although we vehemently disagree with their decision today. pic.twitter.com/WfOQrtsnpe
— Raila Odinga (@RailaOdinga) September 5, 2022
According to Reuters, several public figures and anti-corruption campaigners – including some who had backed Odinga – welcomed the judgment, saying it bolstered the court’s reputation for independence.
“This decision is good for the judiciary. This election result is bad for Kenya. Two things can be true at the same time,” tweeted author Nanjala Nyabola, who had refrained from backing either candidate.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken congratulated Ruto on his election victory and said Washington commended him and other candidates for abiding by the Supreme Court’s ruling. “We look forward to enhancing [our] partnership with President Ruto and his new government,” Blinken said in a statement.
There were no immediate signs of protest in Odinga’s stronghold of Kisumu city. Even the low-income neighbourhoods of Nairobi that traditionally support Odinga were relatively peaceful.
“There is nothing we can do, the judgment has been made,” Geoffrey Omondi, a 33-year-old electrical engineer who backed Odinga, said.
Ruto’s jubilant supporters danced and waved flags in his party colours of yellow and green.
