Nairobi — The Supreme Court has declined a request by lawyers in the petition challenging President-Elect William Ruto's win to be allocated more time for their pleadings.

In its ruling, the seven-judge bench led by Chief Justice Martha Koome reiterated that the court will not grant additional time due to time constraints.

"The request for additional time by counsel for the first, second, and the ninth respondent over and above the time allocated and issued earlier this morning is now declined," Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu ruled.

President-Elect William Ruto, who is in court defending his victory with his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, requested the court to give them more time to submit their arguments.

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Commissioner Abdi Guliye had also sought more time.

Ruto is the first respondent in the case, with Gachagua being second, and Guliye is the ninth respondent.

The court had granted Ruto and Gachagua's defense team three hours to make their case.

The principal petitioner and Azimio Leader Raila Odinga, who will be the first to make his submissions on Wednesday, was also given three hours to make his case.

The former Prime Minister is challenging Ruto's victory in the August 9, 2022 polls because it was marred by irregularities and illegalities marred the exercise.

The Judges will give their verdict on September 5, 2022.

If the Judges uphold the election of President-Elect William Ruto, he will be sworn into office on September 13, 2022.

Nullification of the election would send Kenyans back to the polls, which must be conducted within 60 days, with the specific day being November 4, 2022.