Kenya’s Supreme Court affirms William Ruto’s election as President

GOOBJOOG NEWS|NAIROBI: William Samoei Ruto will now become the 5th President of Kenya following the affirmation of his August 9 election by the Supreme Court.

The seven judges of the Supreme Court unanimously endorsed Ruto’s election in a ruling that last for close to two hours Monday afternoon marking the end of a hotly contested election in the East African nation.

The verdict delivered by Supreme Court President Martha Koome dismissed petitions filed by former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and nine other petitioners.

The Court held that Ruto met the 50%+1 threshold set out by the Constitution contrary to claims by the petitioners. The judges also dismissed allegations by the petitioners that the technology deployed during the election was compromised by foreigners rendering the elections unverifiable.

Further, the Court said the postponement of the elections in about five areas did not result in voter suppression to the disadvantage of Raila Odinga who was backed by outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The Court will deliver its detailed ruling in 21 days. Following the affirmation of Ruto’s victory, kenyans will now prepare for the swearing in of Ruto in a week’s time.