New York Times Withdraws its Earlier Criticism on Raila's Refusal to Concede Defeat

The New York Times has withdrawn its earlier criticism of National Super Alliance (NASA) leader Raila Odinga's rejection of the August 8th election results.

In its editorial dated September 3rd, the media outlet regretted being among those who were “too quick to dismiss charges of irregularities.”

This comes after the Kenya's Supreme Court invalidated President Uhuru Kenyatta's win last Friday.

They also chided international election monitors and diplomats who gave the election a clean bill of health “largely out of relief that the voting had been mainly peaceful.”

"The fears were real, but the rush to judgment overlooked other things," NYT said on its page.

"The Supreme Court has done a major service to democracy and the rule of law, and has provided a needed lesson to international observers," the paper said.

The paper called on the monitors and observers of the election to show that they fully respect and support institutions of democratic governance and the rule of law.

"Preserving peace is best served by ensuring that democratic rules and institutions are respected."

In its earlier editorial, NYT had pressured Raila to rein in his supporters other than subject the country to 'another spasm of violence.'

"At 72, he might mull the idea that a display of respect for the new Constitution would be a far better legacy than another bloody spasm of violence," the paper said earlier.