Defense Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa has told off President-elect William Ruto and his Kenya Kwanza brigade for praising IEBC chair Chebukati after the disputed August 9 presidential election.
Speaking during a funeral burial in Kimilili, Bungoma County, on Saturday, September 3 where he conveyed President Uhuru Kenyatta’s, message, Wamalwa said Kenyans will know if Chebukati is a hero or a villain, when the Supreme Court delivers its verdict on Monday, September 5.
“Those of you who have been praising Chebukati that he is a hero, that he did miracles for you, the jury is still out. On Monday, we will know if Chebukati is a hero or a villain,” the Defence CS stated.
The DAP-K party patron asked the Supreme Court to deliver justice after it emerged that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) was operating in two factions at the time when Chebukati declared William Ruto as President-Elect on August 15.
He said Monday’s Supreme Court verdict will mark a moment of truth about what transpired in the August 9 General Election and the vote tallying process.
“What Kenyans want is not miracles, they want justice. On Monday we urge Kenyans to be patient. Justice will prevail and we will know whether Chebukati is a hero or a villain, that day is coming,”
Azimio leader Raila Odinga and other petitioners challenged Chebukati’s decision to declare Ruto as President-elect citing that the results announced by Chebukati were null and void.
In the case, Odinga urged the apex court to nullify Ruto’s win, claiming that IEBC was split into two, one led by Chebukati and the other by vice chairperson Juliana Cherera.
Vice-Chairperson Juliana Cherera led commissioners, Justus Nyang’aya, Francis Wanderi, and Irene Masit denounced the results announced by Chebukati, declaring Deputy President William Ruto the winner of the contest.
On the other hand, IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati and two Commissioners, Boya Molu, and Prof Abdi Guliye defended their stance saying the commission conducted the elections in accordance with the Constitution.
The Supreme Court under Chief Justice Martha Koome is made up of a seven-judge bench and is expected to deliver its verdict on Monday, September 5, after hearing was concluded on Friday.
The ruling by the Supreme Court will shape Kenyan politics, with the judges likely to nullify the presidential poll outcome and order fresh election in 60 days or uphold Ruto's win and pave way for his swearing-in.
In 2017 the apex court nullified President Uhuru Kenyatta’s Win and ordered the commission to conduct a proper election. However, Raila Odinga boycotted the election, handing Uhuru a second term in office as the country's Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
