Wetang’ula fate hangs in balance as his election annulled

By GRACE WEKESA and DANIEL PSIRMOI

Former Bungoma senator Moses Wetang’ula’s political career is hanging in the balance following the nullification of his election by the High Court in Bungoma.

The politician could be barred from contesting in the yet-to-be-announced by-election after allegations of voter bribery and treatment were proven in court by his challenger, former Local Government minister Musikari Kombo.

Mr Wetang’ula could be barred from contesting for the next six years as the law stipulates. Section 67 1(a) of the Elections Act states:  “A person who commits the offence of personation, treating, undue influence or bribery commits an offence and is liable on conviction, in the cases specified in paragraph (a), to a fine not exceeding one million shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six years or to both, and in any other case, to a fine not exceeding five hundred thousand shillings or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to both.”

Busia-based political analyst Okoit Lok Etyang said Wetangula stood a high chance of retaining his seat in the by-election if he is not barred.

“This is the time for him to bring people together because everybody is watching how he will survive this time,” said Etyang.