All indications are that the Azimio-One Kenya Coalition will file an election petition at the Supreme Court today. Once this happens, all eyes will be on the seven judges, with Kenyans expecting them to make a ruling that is just but also to make it in good time. Both aspects are critical because peace and justice rest squarely on the shoulders of the judges.

Kenyans have endured bruising campaign and election periods. Now, they need to know what actually happened and this is crucial for the health of the nation and for citizens to know the truth about the presidential election and the results that IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati announced last week.

Kenyans have demonstrated great restraint and commitment to peaceful resolution of the presidential election dispute and this must be commended. Their stance is a demonstration that they have faith in the Supreme Court as an institution. As such, the expectations on the judges are very high. They cannot afford to disappoint or to be seen to subvert the course of justice.

If there was a time that Kenyans have invested hope in the Judiciary, that time is now. Whichever way the judges rule will have a far-reaching impact, and that is why they must be guided by the interest of impartial justice and the good of Kenya. As such, they must take care to reach conclusions on the basis of the evidence presented before them and deliver justice. Kenyans do not know which way the judges will rule. What they expect, however, is that the court will act only on the basis of law and give a verdict that is entrenched in sound jurisprudence.

The Supreme Court has acted courageously in its past rulings on presidential election petitions. By so doing, it set a high standard that citizens expect it to meet this time round. Even as the case opens, the judges too will be facing scrutiny from the public. Both the quality of their judgment, and the speed with which they will deliver it are critical for national interest. And this is what ought to guide them as they undertake this difficult but unavoidable undertaking.

Having said that, however, we urge Kenyans to be patient with the judges and give them time to interrogate the evidence without undue pressure. It is hoped that once they reach the right verdict, all the parties will comply with the findings of the court and act accordingly, knowing well that justice is a prerequisite to peace and stability.