What next after Uhurus Supreme Court win

What next after Uhurus Supreme Court win

The unanimous decision by the Supreme Court to uphold President Uhuru Kenyatta’s victory in the October 26 election, now paves the way for him to be sworn in for a second term.

Article 141 on the Assumption of Office holds the swearing in would be on the Tuesday after seven days of the verdict. President Kenyatta is therefore set to be sworn in next week on Tuesday, November 28.

Had the Supreme Court ruled in favour of the petitioners, President Kenyatta’s victory would have been nullified for the second time in three months and a fresh election ordered in 60 days. This would have seen the country return to the ballot in mid-January 2018.

The Assumption of Office of the President committee preparing for the swearing in of Uhuru Kenyatta as president will resume the plans for the inauguration ceremony.

The committee, which is chaired by Secretary to the Cabinet Joseph Kinyua, halted the preparations for the swearing-in ceremony after the Supreme Court nullified Kenyatta’ reelection in August 8 poll.

The Assumption of Office of the President committee will hold their first meeting today (Monday) at 3pm at Kasarani Stadium.

Kenyatta garnered 7.4 million votes, representing more than 98 per cent of the votes cast in an election that was boycotted by National Super Alliance (NASA) flag bearer Raila Odinga.

Two petitions — one by former Kilome Member of Parliament Harun Mwau and the other by activists Njonjo Mue and Khelef Khalifa — were filed seeking the nullification of President Uhuru Kenyatta’s victory for the second time in three months.

In a unanimous decision, the six-judge bench of the Supreme Court dismissed the petitions saying they lack merit.

“Having carefully considered the above issues, the specific prayers in every petition as well as the Constitution and applicable laws, the court has unanimously determined that the petitions are not merited,” ruled the Supreme Court.

Justice Maraga said a detailed decision would be issued within 21 days.

Among the issues the petitioners cited as grounds for annulment of the October 26 election was failure by the electoral commission to conduct fresh nominations, withdrawal by National Super Alliance (NASA) flag bearer Raila Odinga and failure by voters in 25 constituencies to take part in the election.

 

Tags:

Uhuru kenyatta raila odinga david maraga Harun Mwau petition October 26 election petition against uhuru's victory dismissed Supreme Court verdict Supreme Court verdict on October 26 election Uhuru's victory upheld

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