Body wants Supreme Court to act fairly in presidential petition

The National Democratic Institute (NDI) on Kenya’s August 8 elections now wants the Supreme Court of Kenya to provide a full, fair and independent hearing and judgment of the presidential election petition.

In their first post-election statement, NDI has urged all political actors to respect the independence of the court and to refrain from pressuring or making allegations that may hinder the Judiciary from executing its mandate in accordance with the rule of law.

On Wednesday (August 16) opposition leader, Raila Odinga, defied his campaign sentiments of not going to court this time round by saying that the National Super Alliance (NASA) will be moving to the Supreme Court to contest the presidential election results.

Concurrently with the petition, NASA leader said that his supporters will be staging lawful demonstrations and peaceful vigils, with NDI advising the government and its security forces to “respect the right to peaceful assembly and expression, as well as the right to life” when dealing with the NASA supporters.

“NDI abhors the loss of life following the announcement of the presidential election result, including the deaths of at least two children. Security forces must do everything possible to protect lives and not use excessive force in responding to incidents,” read the statement by NDI.

Additionally, the international election observers have called for IEBC to immediately complete its release of presidential election results forms, political leaders to ensure peaceful political action concerning the elections, and for the government to ensure respect for freedom of political expression in the media and civil society.

NDI was referring to the latest hustles where the NGO Co-ordination Board threatened to de-register the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) and the African Center for Open Governance (AfriCOG), although Acting Interior CS Fred Matiang’i came to the rescue of the vocal NGOs.