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Azimio-One Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga spent the better part of yesterday at his Karen residence ahead of today’s ruling on his petition challenging President-Elect William Ruto’s victory in the August 9 election.

While Ruto and his running-mate, Rigathi Gachagua, were in Njoro, Nakuru County, for inter-denominational prayers, Raila is said to have remained indoors following advice from close aides.

One of the former Prime Minister’s senior advisors, Silas Jakakimba, told People Daily that his team had on Friday advised him to stay at home and rest.

Leave a mark

“He believes that the verdict would speak to a strengthened, independent Judiciary and could leave a mark in our journey of consolidation and strengthening of democratic processes and institutions,” he said.

On Friday, Raila and his running mate, Martha Karua, met the Azimio la Umoja legal team where he praised the lawyers for a job well done.

The meeting’s main purpose was for the legal team to appraise the petitioners on the case.

The two veteran politicians are said to have congratulated the lawyers, led by newly elected Siaya Governor James Orengo, for their submissions before the top court.

Photos taken at the meeting showed Raila in high spirits, chatting with members of the team.

Null and void

At the meeting, Raila is said to have expressed confidence that the Supreme Court would declare the presidential election null and void, based on the evidence presented in court.

He added that the Azimio coalition would accept the verdict of the seven-judge Bench.

“We believe in the rule of law and believe that the Supreme Court will be fair and just and will look objectively into the issues we have tabled. If the court decides otherwise, we will still respect its ruling,” said Raila during a previous press briefing with the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

The Azimio chief also shared light moments with lawyers from his legal team, including Senior counsel Philip Murgor, Pheroze Nowrojee, Paul Mwangi and Julie Soweto.