Foreign Envoys Express Disappointment Over Kenya's Supreme Court Quorum Hitch

Foreign envoys have expressed concerns over the failure by the Kenyan Supreme Court to raise enough quorum to listen to a petition seeking postponement of October 26th repeat presidential election.

The hearing of the petition lodged by three voters on Tuesday failed to commence on Wednesday following the absence of five of the seven Supreme Court Judges.

Only Chief Justice David Maraga and Justice Isaac Lenaola were available, while the constitution requires that for a case to proceed at the apex court, at least five judges must be present at the bench.

In a joint statement, the Heads of Mission in Kenya said it would have been important if the case kicked off since it “raised important questions regarding the election”.

They called on Kenyans to remain calm and maintain peace during Thursday's voting. They also urged dialogue between political actors going forward.

The diplomats also condemned the shooting of a bodyguard-driver attached to Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, which happened in Nairobi on Tuesday evening.

They also expressed their disappointment over the attacks on independent bodies and the judiciary.

“We are deeply disappointed by the continuing efforts of both parties to interfere with and undermine the independent operation of the electoral commission, the Judiciary, and other essential institutions,” they said.