High Court strikes out petition against Teso South MP

The High Court in Busia on Wednesday January 31, dismissed a petition challenging the election of Geoffrey Omuse as Teso South MP.

In his ruling, Presiding Judge Justice Waweru Kiarie dismissed the petition filed by former area MP Mary Emase on grounds of lack of evidence.

Emase wanted the election of Omuse nullified citing fraudulent tallying of votes by the returning officer.

Justice Kiarie however dismissed the case with costs, meaning Emase will now have to pay the first respondent, Omuse, 2 million shillings with IEBC set to receive 1 million shillings as the second respondent.

“My finding is that the August 8 election in respect of the Teso South constituency parliamentary poll was conducted in accordance with the constitution of Kenya and election laws and procedures as provided for under the Elections Act and the Elections Parliamentary and County Elections Petition 2017,” ruled the Judge.

Addressing his supporters outside the court, Omuse pledged to carry out his mandate as the duly elected MP, even as he extended an olive branch to his opponents.

“Today’s judgment was confirmation that the election was free and fair and I will work as I promised during the campaigns because Teso South Constituency is bigger than all of us,” said Omuse