WEB DESK
Kenya’s Supreme Court has annulled the result of last month’s presidential election, citing irregularities, and ordered a new one within 60 days. In a ruling yesterday, Chief Justice David Maraga said the 8 August election was not conducted in accordance with the constitution, declaring it invalid, null and void.
The ruling did not attribute any blame to President Kenyatta’s party or campaign. The election commission had declared incumbent Uhuru Kenyatta the winner by a margin of 1.4 million votes. Raila Odinga, Mr Kenyatta’s opponent, said the commission was rotten and demanded resignations and prosecutions.
President Kenyatta said he would respect the court’s decision but also branded the judges crooks.
Other elections in Africa have been annulled or cancelled but this appears to be the first time on the continent that an opposition court challenge against a presidential poll result has been successful.
Kenya’s Supreme Court has accused the electoral board of committing “irregularities” during the recent presidential vote. The annulment marks a setback for President Uhuru Kenyatta, who has called the judges “crooks.”
“A declaration is hereby issued that the presidential election held on August 8 was not conducted in accordance to the constitution and applicable law, rendering the results invalid, null and void,” said Judge David Maraga, announcing the verdict of four out of the court’s six
The electoral board “failed, neglected or refused to conduct the elections in accordance with the constitution,” Maraga added. Two of the court’s judges dissented with the verdict, saying the will of the people should not be nullified due to challenges that arose during the electoral process. New elections must take place within 60 days, according to the ruling.