Inspection of records for Ikolomani petition resumes

By Joel Okwayo

The inspection of election materials in a petition challenging the election of Ikolomani MP, Dr Bonny

Khalwale has kicked off again after a two-week break.

The exercise is being supervised by the Kakamega Chief Magistrate Hedwig Ong’udi where forms 17 A and 16A are being availed for inspection.

Kakamega High Court judge, Justice Isaac Lenaola, who is hearing the case, had directed Ongu’di to oversee the inspection of the documents and report to the court.

The court has inspected forms from 65 polling stations out of the 78 that were used as poling centres in the 2007 General Elections.

Bernard Shinali, who is challenging Khalwale’s re-election through lawyer Stephen Mwenesi, had asked the court to order an inspection of forms 16A and 17 A and any other documents contained in the ballot boxes.

Shinali wanted the reports of security committees and complaints among others be inspected. He said the ballot papers, boxes and other reports from the 78 polling stations required to be inspected.

Khalwale’s lawyer Julie Aulo had opposed the application, arguing that the case had not reached a stage requiring inspection of ballot material.