Its been quite a panic ever since some public officials inherited their position with election petitions haunting them.However a rest and second feel of joy has encircled a number of leaders already who have defeated their challengers in court.
Governors Salim Mvurya (Kwale), Alfred Mutua (Machakos) survive election petitions; Supreme Court declares they were validly elected.
— Ali ‘Mwamvita’ Manzu (@Ali_Manzu) December 21, 2018
Governor Alfred Mutua’s victory was reversed after his rival, former Kathiani MP Wavinya Ndeti, convinced the Court of Appeal that the Machakos governorship results were manipulated to favour her competitor.
She had appealed after Machakos High Court judge Aggrey Muchelule ruled that her petition lacked merit and upheld Mutua’s victory.
While defending his win at the Supreme Court, Mutua argued the procedural technicalities in last year’s elections did not warrant the nullification.
IEBC also contested the nullification on the grounds that the Court of Appeal focused on human errors and overlooked the will of the people.
VIDEO: Machakos governor Alfred Mutua celebrates after the Supreme Court upholds his election; Kwale governor Salim Mvurya and Nandi Hills MP Alfred Keter also survive election petitions. pic.twitter.com/B6z34Wa4ze
— Dennis Okari (@DennisOkari) December 21, 2018
In Salim Mvurya’s case,Kwale Governor Salim Mvurya’s election was initially challenged by a petitioner Mwamlole Tchapu Mbwana.
In November 2017 High Court Judge Mugure Thande struck out the case saying Mwamlole had not followed due election petitions rules.
Mwamlole filed an appeal but withdrew it before it was heard. Three voters Suleiman Mwamlole Warrakah, Mwarapayo Wa-Mwachai and Matsudzo Hamisi Mwamrez took issue with the nature of the withdrawal as they had nominated Mwamlole to file the case.The three wanted Mvurya’s victory nullified citing irregularities.
As for Alfred Keter the Appeals court had held that the legislator won the Nandi Hills seat but the case was grounded on claims the MP campaigned outside IEBC stipulated time. Keter was contested by Bernard Kutur.
Do you believe the winners will now lead in peace or will their contesters continue fighting them legally?