President Uhuru Kenyatta alongside Acting Interior CS Fred Matiang'i and National Assembly Majority Leader Aden Duale. [Photo|PSCU]President Uhuru Kenyatta has hailed the Opposition's National Super Alliance (Nasa), after it filed a presidential election petition, disputing the just concluded August 8, presidential poll.
Through State House spokesperson Manoah Esipisu, Uhuru said the courts were the best place to seek legal solutions.
"We are glad that the Rt Hon Raila Odinga and Nasa have chosen to file a petition in the Supreme Court. They have made it clear that they are dissatisfied with the results announced by the IEBC. The proper place to contest the IEBC’s findings is in the court of law designated by the constitution to handle that process, which has the power to call for evidence, and to issue a binding verdict," said Esipisu.
He noted that there was a constitutional right to protest, peacefully, which does not extend to violence against people or property.
Uhuru reiterated that electoral disputes and grievances ought to be settled by legal and peaceful means, and that the police will maintain law and order.
"The president urges all Kenyans to keep the peace and focus on developing the nation," said Esipisu, during his Sunday weekly briefing.
Nasa filed the petition at the Supreme Court, Friday August 18, contesting the election results, that saw incumbent Kenyatta, declared president elect, Friday August 11, by the IEBC chairman Wafula Chebukati.
Nasa had four days starting from the day of filing the petition (August 18), to serve IEBC, through Chebukati, as well as the Jubilee Party through its leader, President Kenyatta, a notice of the petition.The two respondents would be required to file their responses at the Supreme Court, by Thursday August 24.