Dispute resolution: Judiciary mints money from election petitions

Judiciary building in Nairobi

NAIROBI, KENYA: Kenya’s Judiciary is making a kill out of election petitions from the August 8 general elections.

By Tuesday, more than 76 politicians had filed cases challenging the outcome of different positions from Member of County Assembly, Member of Parliament, Woman representative, Senate, and Governor.

At least 54 of the petitions were filed after the Supreme Court nullified President Uhuru Kenyatta’s win last week.

According to new rules, those challenging the election of a president are required to deposit Sh1 million as security and a further Sh500, 000 - non-refundable - as a fee for filing the case.

After the petition, any party filing a response is required to pay Sh20, 000 for the Supreme Court to consider it and a further Sh4, 000 for filing notice of intention to oppose the petition. Raila Odinga challenged Uhuru’s win.

Those challenging the election of a governor, senator, woman representative or MP are required to pay the High Court Sh30, 000 and an additional Sh100, 000 security.

Those challenging the election of a Member of County Assembly (MCA) are required to deposit Sh100, 000 at the magistrates court as security besides paying Sh15, 000.

Six petitions had been filed challenging the election of governors in Embu, Taita Taveta, Garissa, Mandera, Kirinyaga and Tana River counties. Another 13 were challenging the election of MPs and two for senators.