Kenyans rejoice while Kenyatta renounces re-election
‘Irregularities and illegalities’ marred the poll, but president blames court’s ruling on ‘crooks in the pay of whites’
It was a stunning moment of judicial independence in Africa. Kenya's Supreme Court judges nullified President Uhuru Kenyatta's re-election, ruling that his victory in the August 8 vote was marred by "irregularities and illegalities".
In response, Kenyatta denounced the judges as "crooks in the pay of whites".
The court ordered a fresh vote to be held within 60 days, the first time that judges have overturned an incumbent president's victory in an African election.Robed in red and black, the six judges upheld a petition from Kenyatta's challenger, Raila Odinga. Odinga said systematic fraud had denied him victory, a claim that was ridiculed by Western observers, who portrayed him as a sore loser.
Odinga has lost four elections, all of them tarnished by allegations of impropriety. He was in court this week to savour his moment of triumph, allowing himself a smile as the chief justice, David Maraga, delivered his momentous ruling.
Disbelieving joy
"The presidential election ... was not conducted in accordance with the constitution and applicable law, rendering the results invalid, null and void," Maraga told the courtroom, as he read out the four-to-two majority ruling.
Outside the building, as in slums across the capital Nairobi and in Odinga's strongholds in western Kenya, the crowds erupted in disbelieving joy.But on Friday the police seemed bewildered and unsure of themselves. They briefly advanced on jubilant opposition supporters, who were chanting and waving branches outside the court. The police retreated and eventually disappeared from the streets.
"We expected the worst and have been given the best," said Japheth Onyango, a mechanic.
"People are just so, so happy," said Dorothy Mwangale, a cleaner, with tears in her eyes.
The mood was in contrast to the silence of the president's supporters, who had gathered to celebrate what they believed would be confirmation of his victory. The disbelief was also etched on the president's face.
'Whites and other trash'
Although he agreed to respect the ruling, Kenyatta also upbraided the court, saying: "Six people decided to go against the will of the people."..
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