Eyes on the Judiciary as 308 poll losers file petitions

A total of 308 election petitions have been filed by losers in various courts across the country. This is an increase of 120 compared to the 2013 General Election.

The petitioners have apparently been buoyed by the Supreme Court’s nullification of the Presidential results.

In 2013, the Judiciary handled 188 out of the expected 500 election petitions they had set as the target. Out of the 188, only 25 led to by-elections. And out of the 25, only two in Kisii and Nyaribari Chache were successful, ending in winners being stripped of victory.

Justice David Majanja, vice chairman, Judiciary committee on elections attributed the high failure rate of the 2013 petitions to applicants not being able to gather enough evidence to argue their case.

Most candidates were encouraged by the Supreme Court ruling on the presidential results saying the malpractices pointed out affected the entire process and the election results.

“This year, 31 candidates filed cases contesting the win of those elected for the governorship positions,” said Justice Majanja.

READ: 74 election petitions filed, says Judiciary

Among governors who are facing court battles include Ali Hassan Joho (Mombasa), Prof Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu) Gideon Mbuvi Sonko (Nairobi), Alfred Mutua (Machakos), Kiraitu Murungi (Meru), Joseph ole Lenku (Kajiado) and Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga). Some of the petitioners are voters while others are losers in the August 8 polls.

Other county bosses facing petitions are Ndiritu Muriithi (Laikipia), Cornel Rasanga (Siaya), Sospeter Ojaamong (Busia), Cyprian Awiti (Homa Bay), Amason Kingi (Kilifi), and Salim Mvurya (Kwale).

At least 13 have petitioned against the Senator’s seat, 11 against the women representative position and 91 against members of the National Assembly.

All these cases will be heard at the High Court.