Some people tried to stop us from going to Supreme Court, Raila reveals
Azimio One Kenya coalition leader Raila Odinga now claims that some people tried to stop him from challenging the recently announced presidential results at the Supreme Court.
Speaking to members of the press at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Monday, August 22, the ODM party leader affirmed that Azimio did the right thing by seeking legal redress through the courts.
"The action we have taken is perfectly in line with the stipulation of our constitution on resolving electoral disputes," Raila said.
"It affirms our deep belief in constitutionalism, the rule of law and a peaceful resolution of disputes...We were shocked that as we prepared to go to court, others tried to stop us."
While castigating the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the former Prime Minister reiterated that the August 9 presidential polls were marred by massive irregularities, tainting the credibility of the poll.
He insisted that he was rigged out by 'corruption cartels', determined to take control of the government.
"The presidential election results announced last week represent the continued struggle pitting the forces for democracy and good governance against the corruption cartels that are so determined that will stop at nothing to take control of the government in this county," he added.
"This is a do-or-die battle for the corruption cartels who have everything to lose should forces of democracy take over. The corruption cartels are prepared to compromise electoral systems, bribe electoral officials, make security systems look the other way or even kill in order to find their ways to power and continue stealing from the public.
"We believe this is what happened in this election. For the sake of Kenyans' future, the corruption network must not only be stopped but be crushed."
Raila spoke moments after filing the presidential election petition at the Supreme Court in Nairobi.
He maintained that Azimio has evidence to prove that Kenya Kwanza Alliance leader William Ruto was not validly elected as president.
Raila and his running mate Martha Karua, accompanied by Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, arrived at the Supreme Court sub-registry at Milimani Law courts at 12.30 pm on Monday.
Raila lodges petition at Supreme Court
They lodged the petition and voluminous documentary evidence at the Supreme Court; Forodha House Sub-Registry in a lorry.
The documents packed in 39 cartons were taken to the Registry in a truck. The documents include 459 Form 34Cs, 34As and 34Bs and multiple affidavits of witnesses. Some of the witnesses are Mr Ben Wasonga and Benjamin Agina.
Azimio's legal team led by senior counsel James Orengo and Paul Mwangi described the general election as a sham, saying they were confident that the 39-volume documents submitted to the Supreme Court will prove the same.
