Court dismisses poll petitions against Khaemba, Lenolkulal

Trans-Nzoia Governor Patrick Khaemba celebrates on February 23, 2018 after the High Court in Kitale dismissed an election petition challenging his win. PHOTO | GERALD BWISA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Justice Anthony Mrima ordered the petitioner in the case against Governor Patrick Khaemba to pay Sh10 million as costs.
  • The petitioner in the case against Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal was ordered to pay Sh6 million as costs by Judge Roseline Wendoh.

The High Court in Kitale has dismissed an election petition challenging Trans-Nzoia Governor Patrick Khaemba’s win.

Justice Anthony Mrima said there was insufficient evidence to quash the election and ordered the petitioners to pay Sh10 million in costs

– Sh5 million to be paid to the IEBC and Sh5 million to be paid to Mr Khaemba.

IRREGULARITIES

Justice Mrima, however, urged the IEBC to be more organised and put more effort in planning elections.

He said the irregularities, though minimal, were mostly as a result of non-compliance with regulations.

Justice Mrima also urged political parties and independent candidates to train their agents.

Two voters – Robinson Simiyu Manga and Alpha Kitazi Chore – moved to court to challenge the validity of his election, citing a number of irregularities.

Mr Khaemba welcomed the court ruling.

"This case has wasted our time and resources but the court ruling has demonstrated that it was all lies," said Mr Khaemba.

He was with Ford Kenya party leader Moses Wetang’ula, Kiminini MP Chris Wamalwa and Kwanza MP Ferdinand Wanyonyi.

PETITION

Meanwhile, the High Court in Nyahururu upheld the election of Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal.

Samburu Governor Moses Lenolkulal addressing supporters outside the High Court in Nyahururu on February 23, 2018, moments after it dismissed a petition challenging his victory. PHOTO | STEVE NJUGUNA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Judge Roseline Wendoh dismissed the petition challenging his election on grounds that it lacked merit.

Former Samburu North MP Simeon Lesirma had moved to court seeking orders to invalidate Mr Lenolkulal's election, arguing that the poll was marred by massive irregularities.

Justice Wendoh ordered the petitioner to pay Sh6 million as costs for the case.