Ruto Files Response to Raila's Petition

Azimio La Umoja presidential candidate Raila Odinga (left) his UDA counterpart DP William Ruto at Uhuru Gardens and Makueni County respectively.
Azimio La Umoja presidential candidate Raila Odinga (left) his UDA counterpart DP William Ruto at Uhuru Gardens and Makueni County respectively.
Raila Odinga/DPPS

President-elect William Ruto has filed a response to the petition by Azimio La Umoja Presidential candidate, Raila Odinga, challenging his victory. 

His legal team led by former Tharaka Nithi senator, Kithure Kindiki and Uasin Gishu woman representative-elect Gladys Shollei, presented the evidence at the Milimani Law Court on Friday, August 26.

Ruto, who was sued as the 9th respondent in the case, was expected to file his response before Saturday, August 27. 

Speaking on Thursday, August 25, during Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja's swearing-in ceremony, Ruto maintained that he would accept the out of the apex court.

Ruto's Speech in Sakaja's Swearing-in
President-elect William Ruto gives his speech during Johnson Sakaja's swearing-in ceremony at the KICC on Thursday, August 25.
Kenyans.co.ke

"I'm asking all of us as leaders to listen to what the people of Kenya are saying so that we can conclude the remaining steps of our election, in a peaceful, orderly, respectful manner, respecting all the institutions that will discharge their responsibilities because we are a country governed by the rule of law and by our constitution," he stated.

At the same time, he asked his opponent, Raila to stop intimidating Supreme Court judges ahead of the verdict.

Among the reliefs he is defending against are nullifying his win and having Raila announced as president-elect. 

Raila asked the Supreme Court to order a recount and if found to be the winner of the August 9 polls, be declared President Uhuru Kenyatta's successor. He also wanted the results announced by Wafula Chebukati declared null and void. 

The former Prime Minister filed his petition on Monday, August 22. On Wednesday, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) and its chairperson, Wafula Chebukati, responded to the lawsuit. 

IEBC submitted copies of all documents used to declare the results, including forms 34A, 34B, 34C and the 34D which is the certificate that was issued to Ruto at Bomas of Kenya.

While submitting the documents, IEBC Chief Executive Officer Hussein Marjan and Commissioner Boya Mulu maintained that the process was transparent and devoid of interference.

The Supreme Court will conduct a pre trial hearing on Tuesday, August 30, and issue a ruling on Monday, September 5. 

From left; Prof. Makau Mutua and Azimio deputy presidential candidate Martha Karua  and Azimio flagbearer Raila Odinga, filing their petition at the supreme court on August 22, 2022
From left; Prof. Makau Mutua and Azimio deputy presidential candidate Martha Karua and Azimio flagbearer Raila Odinga, filing their petition at the supreme court on August 22, 2022
Kenyans.co.ke