Court nullifies election of Jubilee MP Kangogo Bowen

The High Court in Eldoret has nullified the election of David Kangogo Bowen as Marakwet East Member of Parliament following a petition filed by former minister Linah Jebii Kilimo.

Judge George Kimondo ruled that last year’s election in Marakwet East was marred by serious irregularities, adding that the polls were neither accurate nor verifiable.

While the judge noted that the elections were not tainted by violence, he pointed out that there were grave anomalies that cast doubt on accuracy of the numbers, verifiablity, credibility or integrity of the results.

“Owing to the serious irregularities and anomalies that cast a long shadow on the results, it’s not feasible to declare Linah Jebi Kilimo as the winner.

The court ruled that the petitioner had proved her case to the required standard of proof and successfully challenged the integrity of the election.

Justice Kimondo therefore ruled that Bowen was not validly elected, directing the IEBC to hold a fresh election in Marakwet East.

Bowen, who was recently branded a Jubilee rebel MP, was in January, ousted as vice chair of Environment and Natural Resources for ostensibly going against the wishes of the ruling party.

Other Jubilee rebel MPs who were dewhipped were; Nandi Hills Lawmaker Alfred Keter and Moiben’s Silas Tiren who were ejected from the leadership of the Labour and Agriculture Committees respectively.