by Bedah Mengo
NAIROBI, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's Supreme Court will on Wednesday issue its comprehensive ruling on why it nullified the victory of President Uhuru Kenyatta in Aug. 8 polls.
The ruling, which was expected to be out Tuesday and is eagerly awaited, will be ready on Wednesday, according to the court's registrar.
However, as the judges write the last words in their verdict, the Supreme Court was under siege Tuesday, facing attacks from the public and politicians who are calling for the investigation of some judges who they accuse of gross misconduct while hearing the petition challenging Kenyatta's win.
Kenyatta's Jubilee Party has accused the court of denying them victory while acting in cohort with the opposition National Super Alliance (NASA).
Kenyatta early this month called the four judges who nullified his win crooks and promised to "fix" the institution if re-elected.
On Tuesday, his Jubilee Party supporters camped outside the Supreme Court, protesting its decision against Kenyatta and calling for the resignation of the judges.
"We will not leave this place unless the judges resign or rescind their decision. The court should not issue out a flawed ruling," said a man carrying a placard faulting the court and demanding Kenyatta be declared the president.
On Monday, a man, believed to be a Jubilee Party supporter, filed a petition at the Judicial Service Commission seeking the removal of two supreme court judges.
The two judges are among the four, including the chief justice, who annulled President Kenyatta's win citing irregularities and illegalities that affected the entire electoral process.
On Tuesday, the Judicial Service Commission, a body that employs judges, acknowledged receiving the petitions, against the chief justice, his deputy and Judge Lenaola.
Chief Justice David Maraga, after a meeting of the commission, said the judiciary will defend its independence and not allow any attacks which are only meant to intimidate judges.
"We are ready to pay the ultimate price to defend the judiciary's independence," he said. "We will not allow attacks from politicians and any other quarters."
Opposition supporters and critics have questioned the attacks on the judiciary, describing the petitions and protests as a blackmail to the judges so that they do not release the full judgement.
Lawyer Otiende Amollo, who represented NASA at the Supreme Court during the election petition, accused Jubilee Party of hypocrisy.
"When the Supreme Court rules in your favor, the judiciary is firm; When otherwise, it becomes a court of crooks," he said. "What degree of hypocrisy?"
However, Kenyatta's supporters praised the petitions and demonstrations, saying their victory was stolen as judges worked with the opposition.
Jubilee lawmaker Ngunjiri Wambugu accused the opposition and the Supreme Court of executing a civilian coup under Kenyatta's nose.
"If elections are not held in 60 days, on the 61st day Uhuru Kenyatta should be sworn in for his second term," he said.
Analysts warned that Kenya is hurtling toward a dangerous path as key institutions that are the pillars of democracy come under attack.
"If the judiciary or Supreme Court for that matter is destroyed, where would Kenyans run to for recourse?" said Henry Wandera, an economics lecturer. "This is a bad precedent the country is setting but if there is evidence the judges were influenced let the law take its course."
