Kenya: Electoral Commission confirms election as Odinga maintains calls for boycott

Kenya’s electoral body has confirmed the holding of the country’s presidential election Thursday October 26, as scheduled.

According to IEBC head Wafula Chebukati, the fresh election would take place, despite the boycott by the opposition coalition.

“ Based on the progress that has been made by the commission, the elections will be held tomorrow as scheduled, Thursday, October 26, 2017. All polling stations will be open tomorrow morning at 6 am for Kenyans to perform their democratic right,” Wafula Chebukati said.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga contested the decision shortly after describing the decision as shameful. “Convince your friends, neighbours and everyone else not to participate. Instead we advise Kenyans who value democracy and justice, to hold vigilant prayers away from polling stations or just stay at home,” opposition leader, Raila Odinga told supporters shortly after the decision.

Only two Kenyan Supreme Court judges were available to examine a petition on Wednesday seeking to delay the re-run of the election
Chief Justice David Maraga said that the Supreme Court could not hear the case because there were not enough judges present to make a quorum.