Mixed response in Kenya as apex court upholds Kenyatta's victory

Source: Xinhua| 2017-11-20 22:41:31|Editor: Mu Xuequan
Video PlayerClose

by Bedah Mengo

NAIROBI, Nov. 20 (Xinhua) -- Kenyans have different responses following Supreme Court's decision on Monday to uphold President Uhuru Kenyatta's re-election in the controversial Oct. 26 repeat polls.

Hundreds of Kenyatta supporters poured onto the streets of Nairobi on Monday and other towns in his strongholds to celebrate

Dressed in his Jubilee Party red t-shirts and carrying flags, some rode on motorbikes, others in vehicles while a majority were on foot as they sang songs in his praise and blew horns and whistles in celebration.

It was sweet victory for Kenyatta's supporters as nothing currently stands in his way on his path to a second term.

"We are happy. The judges are wise. They have made the best decision in the interest of the country," shouted a man along Kimathi Street in Nairobi, where the procession passed.

"Tano tena, tano tena (Five more years, five more years)," young men and women in the procession shouted as they marched on.

Before starting the march, the team had pitched tent at the Supreme Court awaiting the verdict. The six Supreme Court judges made a unanimous decision read on Monday to dismiss two petitions that were challenging Kenyatta's win.

Outside the central business district, celebrations were in Githurai, Dagoretti, Kayole and Kiambu estates where Kenyatta has support.

And outside Nairobi and its environs, celebrations were in Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Kericho, Eldoret, Nakuru, Gatundu and Bomet, the bedrocks of Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto.

Business was disrupted in the areas as throngs blocked roads as they sang, danced and marched to celebrate.

"Political competition is done. It's what happens even in football. Your team wins, you don't beat up on supporters of the other team. We are in celebrations," said Ngunjiri Wambugu, an MP and Kenyatta's supporter.

Wambugu noted that it was now time for Kenyatta and opposition leader Raila Odinga to unite Kenya and move the country forward.

Deputy President William Ruto attributed the decision by the Supreme Court to God's will and asked the country to unite for progress.

In Odinga's strongholds in Nairobi, Mombasa, Western Kenya and parts of eastern region there were no celebrations as people went on with their businesses.

However, violence was reported mainly in Kisumu, where protesters torched a vehicle as soon as the court made its decision.

"This court was intimidated and compromised. There is no way they could have cancelled Kenyatta's win again. We now await direction from Raila," Faith Sande, a clothes trader in Nairobi, who supports Odinga, said capturing the sentiments of opposition supporters.

"I welcome the judgment by the court even though I don't agree with it. That's the nature of law, it's never fair and as the learned friends say, the law is an ass," said Bernard Odingo, a blogger and Odinga's supporter.

Opposition National Super Alliance (NASA) leaders asked their supporters to remain calm and not engage in any violence even if they are provoked by Kenyatta's supporters.

"NASA supporters across the country are advised to remain calm and not to react to any form of provocation by our opponents. Be calm, still and focused and wait for the way forward from the leadership," said Philip Etale, Orange Democratic Party (ODM) party director of communications.

Other leaders sought to give hope to NASA supporters, asking them not to despair and wait for direction from Odinga.

"The outcome of Supreme Court of Kenya won't affect our strategies. Jubilee supporters can as well celebrate. To NASA supporters, stay calm. Let peace prevail," said NASA Senator Ledama ole Kina.

"Stay calm, don't panic. When NASA saw nothing good in the electoral commission, we withdrew. The same thing we did to the Supreme Court by not filing a petition. Stand in solidarity with our leader Odinga. The journey to Canaan was halted because of the petition but it has again resumed," said Governor Ali Hassan of Mombasa.

Odinga's spokesman Salim Lone said that even with the court ruling, NASA's stand on Kenyatta's election that it was invalid remains.

"NASA had repeatedly declared that we consider this government to be illegitimate and do not recognize it. This position has not been changed by the court ruling," said Lone.

Some analysts called for healing of election wounds and unity as Kenya is currently deeply divided.

"The Supreme Court has spoken. Those celebrating must do so in humility. Those not celebrating must reconcile with the reality. In the next while, we must crucially find a meeting point," said former Education Principal Secretary Prof. James ole Kiyiapi.

Henry Wandera, an economics lecturer in Nairobi warned that the political crisis may persist even with the ruling.

"Opposition is re-energized and has shown that it can stand up against the police. Since they did not take part in the polls and in the case at the Supreme Court, they do not see this as a loss.

"I expect their strategies of economic boycott, People's Assemblies and even protests to continue unless Odinga and Kenyatta talk," he said.

TOP STORIES
EDITOR’S CHOICE
MOST VIEWED
EXPLORE XINHUANET
010020070750000000000000011105091367668421