Kenya: Raila to keep the 'democratic' movement rolling

NAIROBI, Kenya

Kenya’s Azimio la Umoja presidential candidate Raila Odinga has disagreed with the decision of the Supreme Court of Kenya which dismissed his petition and upheld election of William Ruto as president-elect.

In a statement in reference to the verdict, Raila said even though the judgement was not in their favour, it does not end the Azimio la Umoja movement.

"The judgement is by no means the end of our movement, in fact, it inspires us to redouble our efforts to transform this country into a prosperous democracy where each and every Kenyan can find their full belongoing," he stated.

The former prime minister said that he will soon communicate their plans of continuing with the struggle for transparency, accountability and democracy.

On Monday, the apex court in a unanimous ruling upheld William Ruto's victory as the fifth President of Kenya. 

Reading the verdict on Monday, Chief Justice Martha Koome said Ruto garnered 50 percent plus one votes cast. 

Ruto had garnered 7.1m while Raila Odinga garnered 6.9m as declared by the IEBC.

The confirmation followed an intense 14-day process in which lawyers representing Azimio's Raila Odinga, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission and President-elect William Ruto did battle.

The Supreme Court received nine petitions, of which eight challenged Ruto's election, while one support his victory.