PHOTOS: Reactions after Supreme Court upholds Uhurus win

The decision by the Supreme Court to uphold President Uhuru Kenyatta’s re-election in the October 26 polls was met with mixed reactions across the country and on social media.

Jubilee supporters took to the streets to celebrate the unanimous decision that now paves the way for President Kenyatta to be sworn in for a second term.

Hundreds of Nyeri residents thronged the streets as they burst into ululations, songs and dances to celebrate the dismissal of the petitions that were seeking to nullify Kenyatta’s re-election.

In Eldoret, Deputy President William Ruto’s backyard, a mammoth crowd took to the streets in praise of the eagerly awaited decision by the Chief Justice David Maraga-led court.

Things were different in Kisumu town , an opposition stronghold). A group of disgruntled residents burnt down a vehicle in protest of the court’s verdict.

Kenyans On Twitter

On social media, the Supreme Court verdict was met with divided opinion with majority of reactions coming from Jubilee supporters who could not restrain their joy after the court cleared the way for Kenyatta’s swearing-in.

Deputy President William Ruto could not hide his jubilation.

HALLELUYAH!
GLORY TO GOD IN HEAVEN. HE HAS REMEMBERED OUR NATION,GIVEN US HOPE & FUTURE. WAKENYA JAMENI MUBARIKIWE MPAKA MSHANGAE TOGETHER.#SupremeJudgement #uhurukenyatta #tanotena

— William Samoei Ruto (@william_ruto_) November 20, 2017

Various political leaders and social media users took to social media to congratulate Uhuru Kenyatta and his deputy William Ruto following the court verdict.

I look forward to working with you to develop closer relations between your Government and my administration for better service delivery.

H.E MIKE MBUVI SONKO, EGH
GOVERNOR

— Mike Sonko (@MikeSonko) November 20, 2017

Budalangi and Busia County celebrate the victory of H.E. President @UKenyatta and DP @WilliamsRuto. Kilichokuwa na mwanzo ni sharti kiwe na mwisho. Thank you good people. Our votes were not in vain. Now lets rally together as a nation behind our President and drive Kenya forward. pic.twitter.com/WHOQs6Y1nu

— Ababu Namwamba, EGH (@AbabuNamwamba) November 20, 2017

Congratulations President Kenyatta on reaffirmation of your re-election. One Kenya, One People. We embrace all. God be with you, us. Cheers!

— Kabando Wa Kabando (@Wakabando) November 20, 2017

For others, they acknowledged the Supreme Court verdict but pointed out that the overriding priority should be unity in the country.

The Supreme court has spoken! I Wish @UKenyatta well as he embarks on the task of uniting a fractured nation & ensuring equal protection of the law for all.

— Martha Karua (@MarthaKarua) November 20, 2017

The Supreme Court has spoken. Those celebrating must do so in humility. Those not celebrating must reconcile with the reality. In the next while, we must crucially find a meeting point. Shalom Kenya!

— Prof J. Ole Kiyiapi (@JamesOleKiyiapi) November 20, 2017

Supreme Court with unanimity has decided … Kenya needs now to heal & move forward as ONE NATION … All tribes me made to belong … Ethnic hatred & bigotry must end .. In victory, there be magnanimity.. #SupremeJudgment

— Donald B Kipkorir (@DonaldBKipkorir) November 20, 2017

#SupremeJudgment let build one country, one people one nation. pic.twitter.com/RUMnWUwFKt

— Daudi Muya (@DaudiMuya1) November 20, 2017

Are we too shy to go this direction. Are we too wicked? #UhurutoTanoTena #SupremeJudgment pic.twitter.com/3rDT8u1KEm

— ΣT✺✺ (@Etoo254) November 20, 2017

Others saw the Supreme Court judgement as a lesson to both the IEBC and politicians.

The first SCOK ruling taught IEBC that they can't be careless with elections.

The second SCOK ruling has taught politicians that they can't sabotage an election to invalidate it.#SupremeJudgment

— DANIEL ONGERA NYAIRO (@OngeraNyairo) November 20, 2017

Amid the reactions, former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga had a message for the youth; “Why should you be dragged to another hell when you are already in the hell of unemployment, poverty, lack of quality education, health, housing etc…all cutting across your ethnic, religious and regional divide?”

This is the burning question for the Kenyan youth: Why should you be dragged to another hell when you are already in the hell of unemployment, poverty, lack of quality education, health, housing etc…all cutting across your ethnic, religious and regional divide?

— Dr Willy M Mutunga (@WMutunga) November 20, 2017