Chief Justice Martha Koome has lauded the independence of the Judiciary after the seven judge bench unanimously validated the election of William Ruto as the President-elect.
Speaking at a funeral in Mwiteria, Imenti North in Meru county on Wednesday, September 7, the President of the Judiciary explained that the apex court's decision upheld the independence of the country's institutions.
Koome added that other countries in Africa and beyond the continent are keen to emulate Kenya's institutions' independence.
According to the Chief Justice, other leaders are borrowing a leaf from Kenya's governance and leadership systems, where there is no interference between the different arms of government.
"We are being respected now not only in the region but even in the whole world. They are looking upon Kenya for leadership and also for independent institutions, especially the institution of Judiciary," she stated.
"This is not because of my power, but this is because of the faithful God that I serve," Koome added.
However, Koome who was accompanied by other family members did not delve deeper into the prospects of the ruling but instead focused on institutions' independence which she argued was positive for the country's development.
Her sentiments came just days after the apex court dismissed all petitions challenging Ruto's win due to lack of merit. All the judges concluded that petitions filed by Azimio la Umoja Presidential candidate Raila Odinga and his running mate Martha Karua did not meet the threshold to compel for annulment of the August 9 Presidential Election.
Following the verdict, Raila accepted the outcome but disagreed with the findings. Karua shared the same sentiments.
“The court has spoken. I respect but disagree with the findings,” Karua stated
On the other hand, President Uhuru Kenyatta assured the country of a smooth transition but called for the process's scrutiny.
"While we must appreciate these institutions, we must hold them to account. Their truth has to be consistent and coherent. This is the only way we build our democracy," he stated.
Despite Uhuru raising concerns regarding the verdict, through another meeting with Azimio leaders on Wednesday, September 7, he committed to handing over the instruments of power to Ruto.
Uhuru had endorsed Raila, arguing that he was the right candidate to succeed him, accusing his deputy of absconding duty.
He rallied all the state machineries to campaign for Raila, who failed to win the country's top seat for the fifth time.
