Election victory of 31 governors challenged at the High Courts

Milimani Law Courts building in Nairobi. Poll losers have been inspired byb the Supreme Court ruling to challenge winners. (Courtesy)

NAIROBI—Governors who lost in the August 8 polls have challenged the process and results at the High Court that saw 31 declared winners with the majority citing irregularities.

A total of 277 cases have been lodged challenging outcomes of the six elective-seat races. This represents an 88-case rise from the 188 petitions filed after the 2013 General Election.

The Judiciary has previously stated that judges and magistrates are ready to hear and conclude the cases within six months.

The judicial officers have already been trained to handle the petitions and conclude them within the set timelines.

“Virtually all judicial officers of the rank of senior resident magistrate and above, including the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court judges, have been trained,” Chief Justice David Maraga said recently.

The upsurge of the cases could be as a result of the annulment of the presidential election by the Supreme Court.

Governors facing court challenges include Mombasa’s Hassan Joho, whose election has been challenged by former Senator Hassan Omar, Laikipia’s Ndiritu Muriithi in a case lodged by a voter, Mr Sammy Ndung’u and Nairobi’s Mike Mbuvi Sonko, who has also been taken to court by a voter, Mr Japheth Moroko.

Other governors whose wins have been challenged are Sospeter Ojaamong of Busia, Martin Wambora (Embu), Ali Korane (Garissa), Cyprian Awiti (Homa Bay), Joseph ole Lenku (Kajiado), Amason Kingi (Kilifi), and Kisii’s James Ongwae, who has two election petitions.

92 MPs will also be battling court cases, with Kakamega county topping the list with 10 cases.

A total of 129 MCAs across the country will also not be sitting pretty as their rivals seek to unseat them.

For woman representatives, 11 of them will have to contend with court cases and they include Garissa’s Anab Gure, Kilifi’s Gertrude Mbeyu, Kisii’s Janet Ongera and Kisumu’s Rosa Buyu.