Court ruling: General Election to held in 2013

A three bench judge Friday ruled that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) sets the date for the general election.

In a one hour ruling by constitutional court judges Isaac lenaola, David Majanja and Mumbi Ngugi, IEBC should set the election date 60 days after the expiry of the current parliament which is January 15,2013.

Going by the ruling, the general election is likely to be held in 2013. The judges who took time to read through the appeals by different petitioners said it was prudent for the IEBC to determine the date since it is the one bestowed with the mandate to conduct elections.

They ruled that the General Election can only be held in 2012 if President Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga agree, in writing, to dissolve the Grand Coalition Government. This would be 60 days after the Principals agree to terminate the National Accord that holds the coalition parties, PNU and ODM, together.

Deputy Prime Minister Uhuru Kenyatta says his KANU party will respect the court’s verdict.

Narck Kenya leader Martha Karua posted her immediate reaction on twitter saying she totally disagree’s with the court’s ruling.

She argues that the term of office must include the election period and that’s the interpretation world over.

"I totally disagree with the court’s ruling. Term of office must include the election period and that’s the interpretation world over."

Mvita Member of Parliament Najib Balala, has applauded the ruling. Balala said that this will allow the Electoral Board to prepare well enough thus having free, fair and transparent elections.

He added that although he was ready for the elections were it to be held this August, it will give political parties ample time to put themselves in line with the constitution.

Balala urged Kenyans not to rush things but instead be calm so as to achieve their dream of implementation of the new constitution. He advised that since the MP’s will be paid their full-stretch whether the elections came earlier or not, to let them finish their term and work.

Addressing the press, Balala said he is not in a hurry to launch his new political party. He however hinted on the possibility of forming a coalition with the like-minded people which will fight for people’s rights.

Balala refuted claims that he was part of the IPK party and termed the claims as a way of ensuring he fails, but that scheme from his opponents will not succeed.