Court uphold election of Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga
The High Court has upheld the election of Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga, dismissing a petition by former Nairobi governor Evans Kidero challenging her victory in last year’s election.
In the petition, Kidero had argued that Wanga’s election was marred with irregularities which according to him contributed to his loss.
He cited voter bribery at nine polling stations in various parts of the county.
The court however ruled out the petition citing lack of merit and slapped Kidero with a cost of Sh3.5 million for the cost incurred by Wanga in defending her victory.
“The third respondent (Wanga) was validly elected in accordance with the law. I certify and declare Wanga validly elected,” Justice Roselyne Aburili said.
In the petition, Kidero sued the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Homa Bay County Returning Officer Fredrick Apopa, Wanga, Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga and ODM party.
Kidero has to pay Sh3.5m, in which IEBC and Apopa are to share Sh1m, Wanga and Magwanga will also share Sh1.5, while the ODM party will receive Sh1m.
The complaints raised by Kidero prompted a recount of the ballot papers in 192 polling stations.
However, the judge admitted there were some minor irregularities, which she said were insignificant to change the election results.
“We discovered discrepancies but they were too minor to make any change in the gubernatorial election,” Aburili said.
In the August 9,2022 elections, Wanga was declared the winner with 244,559 against Kidero’s 154,182 votes.
