The Supreme Court on Monday endorsed William Ruto’s presidential victory in the election held on August 9.
The Chief Justice Martha Koome stated:
“This is a unanimous decision. The petitions are hereby dismissed, as a consequence we declare the first respondent (Ruto) as president-elect.”
Following the court’s verdict, Ruto promised to extend “a hand of brotherhood” to his rivals, including Odinga, a veteran opposition leader now backed by the ruling party.
“Our election and judicial institutions have won,” he asserted.
Ruto will be sworn in on September 13, becoming Kenya’s fifth president since independence from Britain in 1963 and taking the reins of the country.
Meanwhile, Odinga said he respected the ruling but disagreed with its substance.
“We have always stood for the rule of law and the constitution. In this regard, we respect the opinion of the court although we vehemently disagree with their decision today,” he stated.
