Muslim leaders have heaped praises on Raila Odinga after he respected a court ruling that dismissed his presidential petition that sought to nullify the election of William Ruto.
On Monday, August 5, the seven judges of the Supreme Court unanimously upheld the election of former Agriculture Minister William Ruto in what appeared to end Raila’s political quest for the presidency.
Addressing journalists in Nairobi, the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (Supkem) on Tuesday, September 6, termed Raila’s move as “statesmanship” saying it will pave the way for a smooth transition.
“We thank God for you. You chose to pursue your electoral grievances through the justice system in our country. You accepted an unfavorable ruling based on your prayers to court,” Supkem National chairman Al-Hajj Hassan Ole Naado said.
In his petition, the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition party had argued that William Ruto did not attain the threshold required by law to be declared the winner.
However, Chief Justice Martha Koome in her ruling stated that the former Prime Minister did not offer watertight evidence to overturn William Ruto’s win.
“It is not a mathematical sound and the rounding off of IEBC was correct. The petitioners did not offer a water-tight case,” Koome said.
Speaking shortly after the ruling, President Uhuru Kenyatta’s handshake partner said he had stood for the rule of law and as such he will respect the ruling even though it was not made in his favor.
“We have taken note of the decision of the Supreme Court on the Presidential election held on August 9, 2022. We have always stood for 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,” Raila said.
