President Uhuru Tells Raila to Challenge His Victory in Court

President Uhuru Kenyatta has ruled out chances of entering in dialogue with National Super Alliance (NASA) Raila Odinga to end the impasse surrounding the October 26th repeat presidential elections. The President said he will allow the opposition to exhaust all constitutional avenues before deciding on any dialogue.

“Let them first exhaust their constitutionally laid processes. Nobody shall deny them their constitutional right. I will only discuss once the processes are over. I am not going to jump the gun,” said the President.

Speaking while reading his acceptance speech following his declaration as the winner of the repeat election, President Uhuru Kenyatta called on his political rivals in the opposition to pursue all available constitutional means to seek redress and lashed out at Raila Odinga for pulling out of the race.

‘“Despite the fact that my competitor went to court, he chose to ignore the rest of the ruling which said the election was to happen within 60 days and by IEBC. He ultimately chose to abandon the fresh poll. You cannot choose the opportunity to exercise a right and thereafter abscond the consequences of that choice,” the President said.

He acknowledged that the opposition might challenge his victory in court, adding that he is ready to submit to the rule of law, no matter how painful it may be.

On the controversial Election Amendment Bill, the head of state said his ‘conscience’ told him not sign assent to it before the repeat poll and after putting into considerations voices and fears raised against the proposed law.

“Parliament sought to address election issues through a Bill that was brought to my table. Since the law should be reasoned based on principles, I have not assented to the Bill.”

Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairperson Wafula Chebukati declared Uhuru Kenyatta President-elect after garnering 7,483,895 votes, representing 98.26% of the total votes cast. Nasa leader Raila Odinga, who bowed out of the race citing failure by the IEBC to create a level playing ground came second with 73,228 votes.