Lawyers in Ababu, Otuoma poll cases to file submissions Monday

By Renson Buluma

KENYA: Lawyers in petitions challenging the election of Budalangi MP Ababu Namwamba and his Funyula counterpart Paul Otuoma will On Monday make final submissions before Busia resident Judge Francis Tuiyott.

In the Funyula case, lawyers Alex Masika and Fred Oundo, who are representing petitioner John Nagafwa Okello and Otuoma’s defence counsel led by Siaya Senator James Orengo will make submissions starting today 9am.

Katwa Kigen, who is representing Namwamba and Ashford Muriuki for petitioner Henry Nadimo will appear before the judge at 2pm to make submissions.

In both cases, lawyer B Mutahi is representing the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission which is the first respondent.

Elections of Namwamba and Otuoma are being contested over allegations of electoral malpractices, including voter intimidation, bribery and violence.

State officer

Nadimo in his sworn affidavit further accused IEBC of favouritism after he alleged some of its officials attended a political meeting, which was addressed by ODM candidates, including Namwamba.

In June, Orengo was allowed to represent Otuoma in the petition. Judge Tuiyott dismissed a petition that had attempted to block Orengo.

The judge noted Orengo is a State officer according to Article 262 of the Constitution. He found out that the petitioners could not prove Orengo will flout Chapter 6 of the constitution on integrity.