2 killed in Kenya’s clashes
nairobi — Kenya’s Supreme Court on Monday validated the election victory of President Uhuru Kenyatta, sparking opposition protests that left two dead, according to police.
While the court decision led to celebrations in ruling party strongholds, protesters took to the street in opposition areas in the capital and the west of the country.
One protester was killed in Nairobi’s Kibera slum, while a paramedic tending the injured at a demonstration in western Migori was also shot dead, according to police.
The death toll from four months of election chaos now stands at 54, with most protesters killed at the hands of police, according to rights groups. The protests erupted after
The presidential election of 26 october is hereby upheld as is the election of the third respondent David Maraga, Chief justice
the Supreme Court dismissed two petitions seeking to overturn the victory of Kenyatta in October 26 elections, paving the way for him to be sworn in for a second five-year term on November 28.
“The court has unanimously determined that the petitions are not merited. As a consequence, the presidential election of 26 October is hereby upheld as is the election of the third respondent,” said Chief Justice David Maraga, referring to Kenyatta. Maraga had in Septem- ber annulled an August election due to “irregularities and illegalities”, a historic decision hailed across the globe as an opportunity to boost Kenyan democracy.
However, the ruling only deepened acrimony and protests, leaving the country deeply divided.
Accusing the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of failing to make fundamental reforms to improve the vote, Odinga withdrew from the October ballot which he urged his followers to boycott.
In the run-up to the vote, a top election official fled the country, saying the poll would not be credible and IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati himself said he could not guarantee a free and fair election. —