Court Upholds Election Of Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga, Kidero To Pay Ksh. 3.5M

 The former Nairobi County Governor Kidero had challenged Governor Wanga's win, citing anomalies in the electoral process. The election of Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga in the general election of August 9 was challenged in a petition. 

The High Court dismissed and fined the petitioner, Dr. Evans Kidero, Ksh 3.5 million. Former Nairobi County Governor Kidero challenged Governor Wanga's victory, citing anomalies in the electoral process.

Kidero named as first, second, third, fourth, and fifth respondents in the petition the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Homa Bay County Returning Officer Frederick Apopa, Wanga, Deputy Governor Oyugi Magwanga, and ODM party.

In the contest for governor, Wanga received 244,559 votes, while Kidero received 154,182. The presiding Judge Justice Rosyline Aburili said during the online court judgment delivery that Kidero had failed to substantiate the claims and was unable to persuade the jury with sufficient proof.

The judge gave the example of Rapedhi Polling Station in Kanyadoto Ward of Ndhiwa Constituency where it was discovered that 14 ballot papers were not stamped and acknowledged that there were some minor irregularities. 

But that they were not significant enough for the court to declare the election results invalid. She ruled that Kidero's appeal was rejected owing to a lack of evidence and stated that Wanga was duly elected as the governor of Homa Bay.

The judge ruled that the petitioner must pay Ksh.2.5 million to Wanga, her deputy Oyugi Magwanga, and ODM (the third, fourth, and fifth respondents), as well as Ksh.1 million to the IEBC (the first respondent).

The judge also urged Governor Wanga and Kidero to make amends with one another in order to promote countywide harmony.