The National Council of NGOs (The NGO Council of Kenya) has appealed to Kenyans to remain patient and bear with the Supreme Court at it waits to give its determination of the recently concluded and highly contested presidential elections.
In a statement on Sunday, the council chairman Stephen Cheboi urged all the political parties and their supporters to allow the judiciary time as provided by the law if Azimio La Umoja One Kenya files a dispute.
“The NGOs Council appreciates all Kenyans for turning up in large numbers to elect leaders of their choice and remain Peaceful after casting their votes on Tuesday 9th August 2022. The NGOs Council reiterates and appeals to Kenyans to maintain peace and harmony with one another in every part of the nation,” he said.
Cheboi further urged all the winners and losers for the various positions to continue in the same peaceful spirit of give and take to avoid any possible election related violence or acrimony.
He also appreciated Kenyans for voting peacefully saying the council was satisfied with the way voters conducted themselves and Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) officials through reports received from their county and sub-county Network who monitored the process.
“We take this opportunity to laud all other Observers and civic groups for their job well done in participating in the 2022 general Electoral Process. We urge all Kenyans to continue to be peaceful and exercise patience. We call for peace and harmony among all Kenyans and leaders. We urge leaders who have been elected to be servant leaders and serve the people as per the promises they each gave during the campaign period,” he added.
Mr Cheboi further expressed his confidence with the judiciary claiming it will deliver justice in the interest of the nation.
Parties seeking legal redress regarding the presidential results declared by the IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati have until today (Monday) 2pm to file petitions at the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court has already set preparations to receive, hear and deliver a ruling in the event of a presidential petition.
Those appearing before the floor of the court will be Kenya Kwanza led by William Ruto, Azimio la Umoja led by Raila Odinga and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) led by its chairman Wafula Chebukati.
The three teams have also announced the names of the lawyers who will be representing them in the Supreme Court battle.
Raila Odinga’s team will have Prof Tom Ojienda, Otiende Amollo, Paul Mwangi, Pheroze Norwojee, Ex Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Phillip Murgor, Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo and Makueni Senator Jnr Daniel Maanzo.
On the other hand, William Ruto’s team will be fronting Fred Ngatia, Adrian Kamotho, Ex Tharaka-Nithi Senator Prof Kithure Kindiki , Former LSK president Nelson Havi and Collins Kiprono.
Wafula Chebukati’s team on the other hand will have former Attorney General Prof Githu Muigai, Kamau Karori, Abdikadir Mohamed, Eric Gumbo, Peter Wanyama and Edwin Mukele.
The petition will be determined for 14 days from today (Monday) by seven Apex Court judges led by Chief Justice Martha Koome.