Following the Supreme Court’s verdict on Monday that upheld the election of William Ruto as the fifth President of Kenya, leaders from both the Kenya Kwanza and Azimio camps have released statements of reaction to the turn of events.
Already, both Raila Odinga and Martha Karua have issued statements, saying they respect the decision of the court though they disagree. Odinga said the verdict will give him and his supporters the impetus to redouble their efforts to transform Kenya into a prosperous democracy where every Kenyan can find their full belonging.
The democracy icon promised to communicate his next move soon in what he said is the quest for the struggle for transparency, accountability and democracy.
Kalonzo Musyoka also disagreed with the apex court’s ruling but said he respects it.
He further said that the course for justice and the fight for democracy in the country remains a continuous journey and process.
However, the former vice president faulted the Supreme Court for striking out all their petitions.
“It is absurd and indeed disturbing that core evidence and pertinent issues raised by our lawyers as to the handling of our elections have been rubbished and deemed fabricated by the Supreme Court,” he said.
“Kenyans are a resilient people and although divided right in the middle, owing to the tight contest, by God’s grace, we shall prevail,” he added.
Famous lawyer Ahmednassir Abdullahi, a close ally of President-elect William Ruto asked Kenyans not to be harsh, abusive or critical of Odinga.
“He is a great Kenyan nationalist. He was right to contest the 5th time to become the 5th President of Kenya. He is one of the priceless locomotives of our history. Baba, you played your part. We are proud of you Baba!” Abdullahi penned on Twitter.
Meanwhile, some leaders allied to Odinga started doubting the effectiveness of the handshake between President Kenyatta and Odinga. Some alleged that the state duped the ODM boss into the handshake to rob him of his power.
Mutahi Ngunyi, a political analyst who has been supporting Odinga and the handshake said: “Maybe Raila was a decoy. And Uhuru’s plan all along was to hand over to Ruto. I say so because Uhuru acted sub-optimally in this election. He handed over his constituency to Ruto without a fight. Then he disabled the deep state. Was this the Kumi-Kumi” plan?”
Babu Owino, the MP-elect for Embakasi East and a strong supporter of Odinga also claimed that the outgoing president lied to the former Prime Minister.
“Baba, you will forever be my hero. They played you all along. It was a long con. We live to fight another day,” Owino wrote on Twitter.
However, Ruto on Monday said he and Kenyatta had not spoken for months. He made a sly joke about Kenyatta supporting Odinga who lost. He however said he was OK with the President’s decision to support Odinga, and promised to respect both Kenyatta and Odinga in retirement.
“I want to wish well to all who have won as they guide our country into the future and I thank you all for the opportunity to serve and I say may God bless you all and may God bless this great republic of Kenya,” Kenyatta said. He said plans of transition are already underway.
Francis Atwoli, the COTU secretary-general congratulated Ruto. It is worth noting that Atwoli is one of the Azimio-allied leaders who vehemently opposed Ruto’s quest for the presidency. Atwoli even said that Ruto would not be on the ballot. In his congratulatory message to the President-elect, Atwoli said that that was the decision of the COTU Executive.
“At the COTU Executive Board meeting on 17th August, we resolved that immediately after the Supreme Court judgement, we must thank and congratulate the victor. Consequently, we congratulate President William Ruto. We appeal to workers and Kenyans, in general, to remain peaceful,” Atwoli tweeted.
Musalia Mudavadi, the ANC party leader also congratulated Ruto and the entire Kenya Kwanza fraternity. Mudavadi was a co-principal in the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
“The will of the people has been unanimously validated by the Supreme Court. Congratulations to our President-Elect HE William Ruto,” he said.
Moses Wetangula said the Supreme Court had put to rest the legitimacy issue of William Ruto’s election. He urged Kenyans to accept and respect the “landmark decision” by the court.
Esther Passaris, the Nairobi Women Representative-elect took to the Bible to pen a message of hope to her Azimio colleagues and supporters. She quoted the Book of Job 14:7-9.
“There is always hope for a tree. If it is cut down, it can grow again. It will keep sending out new branches. Its roots might grow old in the ground and its stump die in the dirt, but with water, it will grow again. It will grow branches like a new plant,” she tweeted shortly after the Court’s decision.
Ledama Ole Kina, the Narok Senator-elect, maintained that the election was stolen, albeit cleverly.
“It’s worse than the KGB, MI6 CIA and Mossad Combined. It was well crafted and executed. The truth is messy, it keeps people awake. I suppose the book will be a good read for the future. For now…” he tweeted.
Nonetheless, he said that he and the Azimio brigade tried their best. He added that he was ready to work diligently in opposition.
“Accuse me of failing but I will never allow you to accuse me of not trying. We did our best. Now let the official opposition begin. I am in and will do my job diligently. Twende Kazi,” he said.
Donald Kipkorir, a lawyer of his means and strong supporter of Odinga poked holes at the Court’s ruling and criticised it for being abusive.
“Rulings of the Supreme Court gain local and global acceptance for the novelty in their legal philosophy and juridical knowledge, courage in raising the moral bar, sophistication and poise in language and elegant presentation. But not when it lacks all of the above and uses schoolyard matusi,” he said.
Kipkorir lauded Odinga for his sacrifice to the nation and blamed those who stick around him for their selfish interests without helping him
“History will be kind to Raila Odinga. He is the President we never had. We will never forget Baba,” he said.
Dr Miguna Miguna Ruto-allied lawyer in exile in Canada penned a congratulatory tweet to Ruto, and advised him to be a fair president.
“Congratulations, Dr William Ruto. You are now the 5th President of Kenya. Your acceptance speech today was gracious and statesmanlike. Keep it that way. Govern. Never rule. Maintain fairness. Observe justice. Avoid tribalism, nepotism and corruption. Make Kenyans proud.”