MPs, governors fate to be known end month

By Evelyn Kwamboka

Kisumu, Kenya: Governors and MPs in Nyanza whose election had been contested in court will know their fate at the end of this month and early September.

This may see voters go back to the ballot while some leaders could serve full terms in their elective positions.

The cases are challenging the victories of one senator, two governors, MPs and woman representatives, with the highest bulk filed at the High Court in Kisii.

Those in court include Kisii Senator Chris Obure, Governors Cornel Rasanga (Siaya) and Okoth Obado (Migori).

It was also as a result of the March polls that ten petitions challenging the victories of MPs were filed by aggrieved parties.

The MPs are Fred Outa (Nyando), Joseph Magwanga (Kasipul), Zebedeo Opore (Bonchari), Chris Bichage (Nyaribari Chache), Timothy Moseti (Kitutu Masaba), Joel Onyancha (Bomachoge Borabu) and Dalmas Otieno (Rongo).

In Kisii, Obure who is the only senator elected in Nyanza, is looking forward to retaining his seat on September 16 when Lady Justice Ruth Sitati delivers her verdict.

Ordered scrutiny

Obure has been in the corridors of justice, legally battling it out with Mr Charles Mogere. There are also allegations of discrepancies in the posting of forms 35 and forms 36.

Rasanga is being challenged by National Party of Kenya’s candidate William Oduol and Justice Aggrey Muchelule is to deliver a judgment on August 23.

In Homa Bay, Judge Esther Nyambura is currently preparing a judgment on the appeal challenging the Migori governor’s victory.

In the petition against the election of former Public Service minister, the court ordered for the scrutiny and recount of votes cast in six polling stations on June 20.

Judgments in all the cases are to be delivered in September, save for the one touching on Vihiga MP Yusuf Chanzu.