People in the Kenyan opposition stronghold of Kisumu have taken to the streets to celebrate after the Supreme Court overturned the presidential election result. The election commission had declared President Uhuru Kenyatta the victor but his challenger Raila Odinga took them to court. In a stunning setback for President Uhura Kenyatta, the Supreme Court on Friday annulled his Aug. 8 reelection victory for irregularities and ordered a new vote within 60 days.
The ruling came in response to a petition filed by his challenger, Raila Odinga, 72, who alleged widespread fraud in the election, including the hacking of the electoral commission’s computer system. It is the fourth time Odinga has lost an election, often alleging fruad, but it is the first time a court has backed his claim. After the announcement of the election results, his supporters took to the streets and clashed with police, resulting in 24 dead.
Kenya is the wealthiest country in East Africa and has emerged as a pillar of stability in a fragile region, which includes war-torn neighbors Somalia and South Sudan. But the country remains riven by tribal rivalries that come to a head in every election cycle, largely between Kenyatta’s Kikuyu tribe and Odinga’s fellow Luos.
