Accept Verdict of Supreme Court on Poll Petition as Justice: Faith Leaders in Kenya

“We urge every Kenyan, regardless of their political affiliation, to accept the ruling of the Supreme Court as the position of justice,” the religious leaders say, and add, “It is Kenya that will have won either way.”

The religious leaders who met at Ufungamano house in Nairobi commend Kenyans for keeping calm during the electoral process and urge them to continue with the spirit, especially during the “legal discourses” that will be going on at the Supreme Court.

“Let us all continue with this trend, especially in view of the intensive legal discourses that will be happening this week at the Supreme Court,” the faith leaders say in reference to the hearings that are set to begin on Tuesday, August 30 and conclude on September 5 with a verdict.

They make reference book of Proverbs, saying, “We call on all Kenyans to wait until the Supreme Court processes the petitions, keeping in mind that in a lawsuit the first to speak seems right, until someone comes forward and cross-examines.”

The religious leaders who drew inspirations from religious books touching on justice express optimism that the truth will prevail during the proceedings of the case.

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“It is our prayer and confidence that truth will prevail, and justice will be done and be seen to be done at the Supreme Court,” faith leaders in Kenya say in their August 29 statement that was also signed by representatives from the Evangelical Alliance of Kenya (EAK) and the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC).

Turning their attention to the seven judges of Kenya’s Supreme Court, the religious leaders underline the “centrality” of the petition to democracy in the East African nation and encourage the judges to carry out their “duty with utmost good faith”.

“Taking cognizance of the centrality of the Presidential Poll petitions to democracy in Kenya, we have taken time in our places of worship to pray for the judges and staff of the Supreme Court,” the religious leaders say in their August 29 statement.

They add in reference to the seven Supreme Court judges, “We encourage you to undertake your duty with utmost good faith, fairness, impartiality and public trust, keeping in mind the words recorded in the holy scriptures.”

The religious leaders also make reference to the gubernatorial, parliamentary, and ward elections that were to be held August 29 after being postponed during the August 9 general elections.

They say, “We commend the residents of the counties, constituencies and wards who are participating in electing their leaders today following the earlier postponement.”

“We call upon all the residents of these areas to exercise their democratic right, and to do so peacefully. Failing to vote is in essence voting for the person you did not want to become your leader,” faith leaders in Kenya say in their August 29 statement shared with ACI Africa. 

They also thank political candidates who vied for various positions for “promoting peace and issue-based campaigns.”

“We especially thank the Presidential Candidates for upholding national cohesion and expressing support for rule of law,” representatives of religious leaders in Kenya say, and add, “Let us all join in prayer as we patiently and peacefully wait for the Supreme Court process to be concluded.”

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.