The EU has called for an amicable solution to the dispute and urged all political leaders to avoid violence but instead advocate for peace.
“The EU takes note of the results by the IEBC declaring Mr William Ruto winner of the election and the decision to appeal by Mr Raila Odinga. Ongoing dispute and any remaining concerns about this election must be resolved peacefully through existing legal mechanisms,” EU’s High Representative Josep Borrell said in a statement.
“All political and societal leaders must avoid any violence and call for calm. It is time for political leadership and responsibility from all those linked to the electoral process,” he added.
Borell however commended Kenyans for maintaining peace in the electioneering period and expressed optimism in fostering stronger relations between the incoming Kenyan government and the EU.
“The EU commends Kenyans for the calm and peaceful election day on 9th August, when they expressed their choice across six elections, including for the Presidency,” said Borell.
“We look forward to working together and developing further, together with the future Kenyan leadership, the mutually beneficial EU-Kenya Strategic Dialogue begun in June 2021.”
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) on August 15 announced Dr. William Ruto as the president elect after garnering 7,176,141 votes, representing 50.49 percent while Mr. Odinga lost narrowly after getting 6,942,930 votes, representing 48 percent of the total votes cast.
Mr. Odinga announced he would be heading to court to challenge the results which he termed null and void, accusing IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati of violating the Constitution and electoral laws.
Odinga has meanwhile called on his supporters to remain calm, as his team explores legal avenues to have the announcement by Chebukati nullified in court.
A petition challenging the presidential election results should be filed within seven days from the declaration of the results by IEBC.
According to the Supreme Court, the petition will then be determined 14 days from the day it was filed.
