EPA Copyright: EPA Chief Justice David Maraga cut a lonely figure in court today Image caption: Chief Justice David Maraga cut a lonely figure in court today

Hailed as a beacon of judicial independence, the reputation of Kenya's Supreme Court has suffered a big blow following its failure to hear the petition demanding a postponement of tomorrow's presidential election run-off.

Some will view it as evidence that the Supreme Court has shirked its responsibility and told Kenyans that they are effectively on their own.

The excuses that three judges gave for their absence, denying the court a quorum, are pretty flimsy. While a fourth was presumably in shock after her bodyguard was shot.

AFP Copyright: AFP The Supreme Court is the highest court of the land Image caption: The Supreme Court is the highest court of the land

It seems that when Chief Justice David Maraga said a few weeks ago, amid intimidation following the annulment of the August election, that the judges were ready to pay the ultimate price to defend the rule of law, he was not widely supported.

It is now almost certain that the repeat presidential election will go ahead as planned. However, its credibility is in doubt - as even the chairman of the electoral commission has admitted.

Some international observers have reduced their involvement in the poll because they say the conditions are not conducive for a free and fair election.