NAIROBI, Kenya, Jan 12 – Azimio La Umoja Leader Raila Odinga has reaffirmed the Opposition Coalition’s commitment to ensuring that President William Ruto respects the decisions of the same court that confirmed his 2022 presidential election victory.
Odinga emphasized that every citizen, regardless of their political or social standing, must adhere to the rulings of the third arm of government. He cautioned that defying court orders would create a chaotic atmosphere in the country.
The Supreme Court of Kenya dismissed Odinga’s petition challenging Ruto’s election as President, citing a lack of evidence and document forgery as key reasons for the unanimous decision.
“Who are you to disregard court orders? The court ruled against us despite all the evidence we presented. We stated that we disagreed with the ruling, but we respect the court. You are a product of that ruling, and you are saying you will disregard it. We will not allow you to do so,” Odinga questioned.
The Opposition Leader also issued a warning, stating that a ‘one million man march’ demonstration would take place in Nairobi if President Ruto persisted in disobeying court orders that ruled against government flagship projects.
“We want to convey to the Judges and Magistrates not to be intimidated. We, along with millions of Kenyans, stand with you. If it requires a one million march to Nairobi, we will do it in defense of the constitution and the Judiciary,” Odinga declared.
Ruto has vowed to disobey court orders
President Ruto faced substantial criticism last week after he threatened to disregard court orders, alleging collusion between certain judges, opposition politicians, and “cartels” aimed at obstructing his administration’s projects.
On Friday, dozens of lawyers in Nairobi staged a protest organized by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), marching from the Supreme Court to the president’s office.
“The President of this country is not above the law. Therefore, we do not expect him to speak as if obeying court orders is a favour that he is doing for the country. It is a constitutional requirement,” said LSK President Eric Theuri during a media briefing on Thursday.
Theuri further indicated that if President Ruto continued his attacks against the judiciary, LSK might contemplate initiating impeachment proceedings against him for “violation of the constitution.”
Prominent Kenyan lawyers, including former Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka and former minister Eugene Wamalwa, both presently opposition politicians, participated in the Friday protest.
