Kenyan poll ruling elicits praise but also sparks fears of violence

NAIROBI: While a decision by Kenya’s Supreme Court to annul the results of last month’s presidential election was hailed around the world as a step forward for democracy, a new vote will open up the country to economic uncertainty and the renewed possibility of violence.

Kenya, with east Africa’s most developed economy and robust democracy, is often held up as a model in the region, however its elections have resulted in severe clashes and are a heavy burden on the economy.

In parts of the capital, Nairobi, opposition supporters celebrated on Saturday, while others wondered if their investments and businesses might be threatened by the stunning development.

Citing irregularities in how the election commission tallied and reported the August 8 vote, the Supreme Court on Friday declared the results null and void.

It said a new poll must be held within two months.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, who was re-elected with 54% of the vote, said he would respect the decision, but soon afterwards began publicly condemning the judges for their decision.

“Who even elected you? Were you? We have a problem and we must fix it,” he said on television, remarks which many perceived as a threat against the court.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga, who filed the petition prompting the court’s decision, has focused his wrath on the commission supervising the elections, demanding members be replaced – which most commentators say will not happen before the new elections, opening the way for possible unrest.

“It is going to be a high-octane political campaign season,” said analyst Barrack Muluka. – Washington Post