8 Historic things that defined Kenya in 2017
Here it is!
Despite the controversial election, the country's history was made by the numerous events that happened this year.
compiled the eventful year that has left a mark in history:
1. Nullification of August 8 presidential election
The ruling by the six Supreme Court judges saw Kenya become the first country in Africa to nullify a presidential election.
Ukraine, Maldives, and Austria are the other nations to have ever invalidated an election.
The ruling delivered by Chief Justice David Maraga did not augur well with President Uhuru Kenyatta who had been declared the winner in the election.
2. Two Presidential Election in One year
After the Supreme Court nullified presidential result, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) was directed to organize another fresh poll.
This was the first time Kenya held two presidential elections in one year.
3. Election of first Women Governors
During the August 8 General Eelction, three women made history by being the first female Governors to be elected in Kenya.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, Kitui’s Charity Ngilu and Joyce Laboso of Bomet County are now the only women leading Counties.
4. Economic Boycott
The National Super Alliance (NASA) under its branch National Resistance Movement in 2017 called for an economic boycott as part of its plan to demand electoral reforms.
NRM listed three companies, which it accused of support electoral fraud, and asked its supporter to stop using its products and services.
5. Chief Justice Missing out at Parliament’s opening
Chief Justice David Maraga and other Supreme Court judges were conspicuously absent at the opening of the 12th Parliament after Mr. Kenyatta was elected during the controversial August 8 General Election, which was nullified.
An official at Mr. Maraga’s office later divulged that the CJ did not receive a direct invitation to attend the event.
6. Kenyan student graduates with Master’s degree in Nuclear Medicine
A US-based Kenyan identified as John Gitau Wairimu hit headlines after being one of four people in the world to graduate with a Master’s degree in Nuclear Medicine Technology.
Nuclear Medicine involves using radioactive drugs known as radioisotopes and radionuclides for diagnosing, staging and treating diseases such as different types of cancers and heart diseases.
7. AU Chairmanship
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed was the first Kenyan to vie for the Chairman position at African Union Commission.
However, Ms. Mohammed did not manage to get the position as Chad’s Moussa Faki Mahamat was elected the new chairperson.
8. Uhuru addresses G7 Summit
President Uhuru Kenyatta was given an opportunity to address world’s most powerful leaders at the 43rd G7 Summit held in Taormina, Sicily, in Italy.
Mr. Kenyatta was the African leader representing the interests of the Continent. This was the first time a Kenyan Head of State was invited to such a gathering.
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