Kenya National Union of Teachers fights off claims of voter bribery in Budalangi

By Renson Buluma

BUDALANGI, KENYA: Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) leadership in Busia has refuted claims that teachers in Budalangi were bribed by ODM politicians ahead of last general elections.

Busia branch Executive Secretary Mark Oseno told Busia Resident Judge Francis Tuiyott during a petition challenging the election of Budalangi MP Ababu Namwamba that claims of bribe leveled against
teachers were 'despicable and disgusting' and were aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the teaching fraternity.

He denied claims that teachers received Sh600 each from Namwamba during the meeting that was convened by KNUT at Mulukhoba Beach Resort and which was addressed by ODM candidates Amos Wako (senator), and Namwamba.
 
"Teachers are the opinion shapers of the society and i don’t think money could help persuade them to vote
for an individual especially during an important constitutional event like a general election," said Oseno during cross examination by Namwamba lawyer Katwa Kigen.

He added: “That is most disgusting and despicable part of the affidavit” A number of witnesses had in their sworn affidavits indicated that the two politicians dished out sh450, 000 that was shared among the eachers who attended the March 1 meeting.

The proceedings were however temporarily thrown into confusion that lasted for about 10 minutes when petitioner's lawyer Ashford Muriuki drew the attention of the court to the witness' after he alleged that Oseno was being aided to answer questions via text messages on his phone.
"My lord I have noticed with great concern that the witness may be using his phone to get answers and this
is a violation of the court process,” said Muriuki.

The allegations raised temperatures in the court as the two sides: the petitioner’s and respondents sides led by Namwamba to react angrily leading the Judge to order Namwamba to publicly apologize for disrespecting the authority of the court after he was overheard heckling the lawyer.

"This is an honourable court and it must be respected. Honourable Namwamba you must apologize for heckling in court,” said Tuiyott.

Namwamba acknowledged the mistake saying: "It was an expression of appropriate disapproval to the claims made by the counsel but I do apologize".

Tuiyott then directed that the phone be handed to him for scrutiny of all messages received between 2pm and 5,14 when Oseno took the witness stand.

"I was not aware that the witness had been using his phone in court. If it is true then it is a serious offence. Please let me have your phone," said Tuiyott.

But before Oseno could hand in his phone he raised concern over what he termed 'violation' of his privacy and asked the judge to protect him.

Drama however did not end there since after getting the phone, the Judge was unable to operate it and had to ask Oseno to help him go through the messages.

It later emerged that the phone did not have any message related to the case and this was confirmed by both Kigen and Muriuki.

"I was not aware that the witness is capable of performing miracles by deleting messages from his phone in such a short notice," Kigen said sarcastically after it was confirmed that there were no messages.


 

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