Eldoret-based human rights and democracy activist Kipkorir Ng’etich has asked Kenyans and politicians to allow the Supreme Court to hear and determine a petition challenging presidential results without any interference.
The Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition has already filed a petition challenging the declaration of Dr William Ruto as the president-elect.
And as the Supreme Court prepares to start hearing the case, Ng’etich, the director of the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy (CHDR) says Kenyans, lawyers, politicians and even the media should avoid making comments in regard to the case that might influence the outcome.
In an interview with Uasin Gishu News, the human rights activists said the Supreme Court judges should be given space to handle the case as per set laws.
“Citizens, lawyers, politicians and media should give the judges room to hear and determine the matter without putting them under pressure through their comments,” Ng’etich said.
“Every person should be patient. No one should make any comment targeted at any of the Supreme Court Judges that might influence their ruling,” he added.
However, the CHDR director asked the Supreme Court to ensure it delivers a fair ruling in regards to the presidential petition.
“My prayer is that the court will hear and make a judgement in the case as per the law and at the end of the day, justice will be served,” he said.
Supreme Court judges
Already, the Azimio team, led by its presidential candidate Raila Odinga on Monday, August 23, 2022, filed the petition at the Supreme Court.
A pre-trial for the case is expected to be held next week, with the court required to deliver a ruling on or before September 5, 2022 – which is within 14 days of the filing of the petition.
Seven judges of the Supreme Court led by Chief Justice Martha Koome who is also the court’s president will hear the case.
Other judges are Wiliam Ouko, Isaac Lenaola, Dr Smokin Wanjala, Njoki Ndung’u, Mohammed Ibrahim and Philomena Mbete Mwilu who is also the Deputy Chief Justice and Vice President of the Supreme Court.
