ODM leaders laud Raila for going legal way

By Renson Buluma?

Busia, Kenya: A section of Orange Democratic Movement party leaders in Busia County have commended Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s decision to seek legal redress following the release of presidential results in favour of Jubilee flag bearer Uhuru Kenyatta. ??

Led by the party’s county coordinator Nur Mohamed and newly elected Burumba ward representative Tony Onyango, the leaders said Raila’s decision was the best under the existing circumstances and has helped reduce tension among supporters. ??

“We hope that justice will be served after the truth comes out,” said Onyango. ?? He added: “We are confident that the Judiciary will give a fair judgment on the issue.”??

Mr Mohammed thanked voters from the region for turning out in large numbers and peacefully participating in the just concluded General Election. ??

“The overwhelming support given to Raila by voters is what has given him the confidence to challenge the presidential results announced by IEBC Chairman Issack Hassan,” said Mohammed. ??

First round win

Mr Hassan on Saturday declared Uhuru President-elect after the former Gatundu South legislator polled 6,173,433 votes against Raila’s 5,340,546, a figure that surpassed the mandatory 50 per cent plus 1 requirement, giving Uhuru a first-round win. ??

The election was, however, challenged by the Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) team that alleged various anomalies in tallying of figures.

CORD has instituted a 10-man team that includes former Attorney General Amos Wako, Lands Minister James Orengo and renowned lawyer John Oraro to spearhead efforts to resolve the stalemate.

Meanwhile, Jubilee supporters took to the streets of Bungoma town to celebrate the victory of the coalition’s presidential candidate Uhuru Kenyatta immediately the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) announced the latter as the President-elect.

 Waving The National Alliance placards and singing songs of praise for Kenya’s fourth President, the jubilant supporters held peaceful demonstrations along the streets of the deserted town as a lorry-load of heavily-armed security agents keenly watched them.