Karua Hints at Challenging CJ Koome's Verdict at East African Court

Raila Odinga and Martha Karua at a hotel in Nairobi
Raila Odinga and Martha Karua at a hotel in Nairobi
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Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga's running mate Martha Karua is considering moving to the East African Court of Justice to challenge the Supreme Court verdict that upheld President-elect William Ruto's victory. 

Speaking on Saturday, September 10, she reiterated that the consideration for filing the appeal was her personal opinion and not that of Azimio La Umoja. 

Karua noted that she would consult the court, based in Arusha, Tanzania, on whether the judgement issued was just.

"In Nairobi, they have the governor but we have majority MCAs. Azimio won more presidential votes in Nairobi. I cannot believe we lost. It doesn't make sense. But the court said we move on and we shall do so in line with rule of law and democracy. There is no other place to go other than the East African Court where I last filed an appeal (against Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru in 2017). 

A display of the Supreme court session as hearing of petition continues on August 31, 2022
A display of the Supreme Court session as hearing of petition continues on August 31, 2022
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The Judiciary of Kenya

"I’m considering whether to travel on a hot air balloon to the East African Court of Justice just to discuss that judgement. I have time, I will take a break. - Martha Karua. For now, I will take a break but in my personal capacity I’m considering going to the East African Court of Justice," Martha Karua stated. 

She further reiterated that the Supreme Court promised to deliver the full judgement in 21 days, which she was eager to analyse. 

"We respect the judgement but we do not agree with them. Let them release their views and then I will add mine and go to court," she added. 

The statement by Karua comes days after the seven-judge bench led by Chief Justice Martha Koome dismissed their petition urging that Raila's legal team failed to prove to the court that the August 9 polls were manipulated in favour of Ruto.

In the verdict read by Koome on September 5, the judges termed some of the claims laid by Azimio as hot air even as some of the affidavits filed were determined to be forged.

Notably, the Supreme Court verdict was also questioned by the outgoing President Uhuru Kenyatta who is also the Azimio council chairman.

After the verdict was rendered, Uhuru raised concerns about the rationale that was used in determining the petition noting that there were inconsistencies in judgements rendered in previous petitions. In

"We must ask ourselves, is it about numbers or is it about the process? Which of these two is it? Can our institutions rule one way in one election and another way in another election without scrutiny?" Uhuru wondered.

President Uhuru Kenyatta bids farewell to the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) at Ulinzi Sports Complex at Lang'ata Barracks in Nairobi on Friday, September 9, 2022
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta bids farewell to the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) at Ulinzi Sports Complex at Lang'ata Barracks in Nairobi on Friday, September 9, 2022