The High Court in Kitale has upheld election of Sirisia MP John Waluke and ordered the petitioner to pay Kshs 6 million and the money will be shared between MP Waluke and the IEBC (Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission).
Justice Anthony Murima said the petitioner, a FORD Kenya aspirant in the last year’s polls Levi Makali did not provide proof to sustain any of his allegations in the petition, adding that the irregularities alleged were shoddy and the claims can’t warrant the nullification of the Sirisia MP’s win. “The election was free of violence, bribery, intimidations and the petition lacked merit as the burden of proof from the petitioner is not sufficient enough to warrant annulment of this matter and it is hereby dismissed,” read Judge Murima.
He also supported the scrutiny he ordered to be undertaken during last year’s December 22nd saying 98% of the outcome was sufficient and proved that all the outcomes as per the scrutiny were correct.
While commenting on the ruling, Waluke said he didn’t rig the election, and that he was validly elected by the electorate. He lauded his family, Sirisia residents for supporting him during the difficult time he was faced with, and he promised to work hard to lift the living standards of his constituents, adding that he will ve for the gubernatorial seat in Bungoma County.
The MP’s supporters flocked Kitale town following the ruling and chanted songs of praise for their leader, and some termed him as a humble leader. Last year’s Trans Nzoia gubernatorial aspirant Maurice Kakai Bisau also lauded the ruling.