Two days after the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold Wajir Governor Mohamud Abdi’s election, lawyers for his opponents have pledged to uncover what they believe are bribery allegations that should be investigated.
Governor Abdi’s opponents Lawyers, former governor Ahmed Abdullahi and Mr Ahmed Muhumed Abdi, are preparing a petition against some judges of the apex court for allegedly being compromised to rule in favour of the incumbent.
Sources at the Supreme Court also indicated the Chief Justice was keen to have previous allegations on the case checked to protect the integrity of the apex court.
Lawyers Ahmednasir Abdullahi and Omwanza Ombati claim to have evidence of cash withdrawals from three local banks and bribery facilitated by an MP from North Eastern Kenya. They also claim that in their letter to be delivered to the Chief Justice, they will show how the plot also involved transactions in Dubai. Mr Abdullahi and Mr Omwanza also allege they will provide evidence of property sold in Eastleigh as part of the deal.
The lawyers will also raise issues on the delay in issuing the ruling, which the Judiciary dropped last week in a detailed timeline released to the public. On Saturday, Mr Ombati still enquired why “an open and shut” case took almost 10 months to determine .
Of the 27 election petitions that went to the Supreme Court, only two have had the Supreme Court split in their decision: the first presidential election petition which was a four to two victory for opposition the National Super Alliance, and the appeal by the Wajir governor, also a four to two outcome. With six judges sitting, there was the possibility of a tie in the Wajir decision as Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu who is battling a court case has not been hearing the poll petitions.
“We are not condemning the whole court but we are not afraid to say there are rotten ones among them,” said Mr Abdullahi.
As of Saturday, the lawyers said they already have seven witnesses who will support their petition to the Chief Justice.