The Kenyan Judiciary has responded sharply to what it terms as sponsored sustained attacks on the Supreme Court on social media platforms and purported resignation of some judges.
In a statement on Monday, the Judiciary clarified the Supreme Court only executed its mandate with the September 5 judgment confirming William Ruto as President-Elect.
“The Judiciary's attention has been drawn to a recent wave of sponsored sustained attack targeting the Supreme Court of Kenya,” the statement from the Judiciary read in part.
It went on: “The Supreme Court, was established under Article 163(1) of the Constitution 2010 and given original exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine disputes relating to the elections to the Office of the President. The Court has therefore only done its work pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution.”
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The judiciary also appealed to Kenyans to be a little more patient for the full judgement by the seven Supreme Court judges on why they dismissed the presidential election petition.
“It is further noted that the court is yet to render its reasoned judgment, which will outline the basis on which the election of the President-Elect was upheld. There is a legal provision of 21 days following the reading of the short version of the judgment to do so. Kenyans are therefore requested to exercise patience as they await the full judgment which will shed light and provide clarity on the grounds and rationale of the Court,” the statement read on.
The Judiciary headed by Chief Justice Martha Koome, however, warned those it accused of being behind the attacks on Supreme Court judges on social media to cease immediately.
“The persons sponsoring and executing the attacks on social media to disparage the Court are advised to desist forthwith,” the statement concluded.
This comes amid criticism on their toughly worded judgment and rumours online on the pending resignation of Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu and Justices Smokin Wanjala.
This also comes a day after Siaya Governor James Orengo accused the CJ and the other six Supreme Court judges of shaming the judiciary with their judgment on the election petition.