The African Union Commission (AUC) has expressed satisfaction with the Supreme Court ruling that nullified President Uhuru Kenyatta’s re-election.
In a statement, the Commission noted that the Supreme Court had advanced a culture of democracy, peace, constitutionalism, and rule of law in Kenya and Africa in general.
AUC Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, noted that the decision was also in accordance with the 2000 Constitutive Act of the African Union and the 2007 African Charter on Democracy, Elections, and Governance.
The Commission pledged to support the process as well as closely monitor the electoral process with a view to ensuring that the will of the Kenyan people is fully respected.
Mahamat lauded NASA Presidential candidate, Raila Odinga, for opting for legal recourse to the dispute arising from the presidential election.
The AU boss has also urged Kenyans to fully respect the judgment and maintain peace ahead of the repeat poll.
He has also called on all candidates, political parties and coalitions to encourage their supporters to fully accept the court’s ruling.
AU's message came after The United States and other envoys declared that they will support the country as it prepares for a fresh presidential election.
In a statement, US ambassador Robert Godec stated that his government would stand with Kenyans “as they support and reaffirm their democracy, which is an example for Africa and the world.”
He noted that the Supreme Court's independent review of the 2017 election had demonstrated Kenya’s resilient democracy and commitment to the rule of law.
The envoys observed that Kenyans had expressed patience and showed confidence as the two-week legal case ran its course.
They expressed their trust in Kenya and its citizens asking the electoral institutions to start preparing for the election urging everyone to make the polls free, fair, credible and peaceful.
“All electoral processes can be improved, and we will continue to support Kenya's institutions in this important work. The transparent legal process and the parties’ respect for the Court’s decision reflect the strength of Kenya’s democracy.
“As friends, we want to deepen our partnership with Kenya as it moves forward in building this great country,” the statement read in part.
On Friday, the court declared the August 8 presidential election null and void following the petition filed by NASA leaders led by Odinga and Kalonzo Musyoka.
The judges observed that the polls were faced with massive irregularities which were enough to warrant nullification of Kenyatta's win.
