
ELGIA and Judiciary Committee on Elections Launch Groundbreaking Electoral Case Digest
The Electoral Law and Governance Institute for Africa (ELGIA) in partnership with the Judiciary Committee on Elections (JCE) marked a significant milestone with the launch of a comprehensive Judiciary Case Digest on December 13th, 2024, at the Sarova Panafric Hotel. The event brought together 51 distinguished participants from various sectors including the Judiciary, civil society organizations, and the Kenya Judiciary Academy.
ELGIA’s Executive Director, Felix Odhiambo, opened the ceremony, setting the stage for this important contribution to Kenya’s electoral jurisprudence. Lucianna Thuo, ELGIA’s specialist in Electoral Law and Governance, presented an insightful overview of the Case Digest, which meticulously documents emerging jurisprudence from the August 2022 General Elections. The digest specifically focuses on disputes that arose both before and after the declaration of election results, while also proposing crucial reforms for the electoral process.
Supreme Court Justice Ibrahim Mohammed, who chairs the Judiciary Committee on Elections (JCE), emphasized the digest’s significance as a vital reference tool for decision-making in electoral disputes. He acknowledged the collaborative effort of scholars, researchers, legal practitioners, and other stakeholders in creating a comprehensive and up-to-date resource that reflects the latest legal developments.
In his keynote address, Hon. Justice (Dr.) Smokin Wanjala, Director General of the Kenya Judiciary Academy (KJA), highlighted the unique challenges that characterized the 2022 General Elections. These included delays in appointing IEBC Commissioners, internal divisions during result announcements, and the spread of misinformation. Justice Wanjala noted that the digest’s documentation of key cases provides valuable insights for judicial officers handling future electoral disputes.
The event concluded with the official launch and distribution of the Case Digest to attendees, marking a significant step forward in strengthening Kenya’s electoral justice system. The publication promises to serve as an essential guide for advocates and litigants involved in electoral dispute resolution.