All eyes are on the seven Supreme Court of Kenya judges as the country awaits what is sure to be another landmark decision on the presidential election petition.

Raila Odinga, a longtime opposition leader, filed the petition to challenge the August 9th election result, which saw his opponent, William Ruto, declared the president-elect.

As supporters await the Supreme Court’s decision on the presidential petition, there is a mix of anxiety and optimism in Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition strongholds.

In Mombasa, Catholic Archbishop Martin Kivuva appealed for calm and peace, urging Supreme Court justices to render a fair decision.

“We pray the judges deliver a Solomonic judgement as we urge every Kenyan to play an active role to maintain peace after the ruling so as to move the country forward. We want justice as there is no peace without justice and vice versa,” he said.

“I was one of the observers in the contested election and we hope the judges will consider the outcome of their judgement. We observed many Kenyans doing good during the exercise except the few who tried unorthodox means to win the election,” Archbishop Kivuva said.

Mombasa Governor-elect Abdulswamad Nassir, Likuyani MP Innocent Mugabe, and his Likoni counterpart Mishi Mboko have all stated that they are prepared for any outcome, including a repeat election.

“We’re ready for whatever outcome. If they won’t declare him President, we’re ready for a rerun. We have the zeal and the energy and are ready for polls to ensure we get justice for Kenyans,” Ms. Mboko said. 

Even though security has been tightened in the lake region, many residents feel that peace will prevail whatever the decision.

While speaking in Wagusu, Bondo, Siaya Governor James Orengo urged people to rekindle their hopes, saying they had a strong case.

“You have nothing to fear. I want to tell you to keep your hopes high because there is light at the end of the tunnel,” Mr Orengo said.

The judges’ decisions will either mark the end of Odinga’s political career or pave the way for a new political path in his later years.

Mr Odinga first ran for the country’s highest office in 1997, finishing third. He also unsuccessfully contested the presidency in 2007, 2013 and 2017.

Both Ruto and Odinga have said they will respect the Supreme Court’s decision.