Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi wins again as poll petition thrown out

Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi can now breathe a sigh of relief after the Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal challenging his election.

On Tuesday, Justice Sankale ole Kantai indicated that the appeal lacked merit as reason for its dismissal.

The ruling comes after Sammy Ndung’u Waity moved to the Appellate Court to challenge a High Court ruling that upheld Muriithi’s election as Laikipia Governor.

Through his lawyer Ramadan Abubakar, Waity raised issues of credibility in the poll and alleged that some voters were unable to exercise their democratic right.

The Defense team Bush Wanjala (for IEBC); Maria Mbeneka and Cecil Kuyo (for Ndiritu Muriithi); and JM Njengo and GM Wanjohi for Deputy Governor John Mwaniki, however refuted the allegations.

In January, the High Court in Nanyuki dismissed the initial petition challenging the victory of Laikipia Governor Ndiritu Muriithi.

The same court had earlier on thrown out an application to have the voter exercise scrutinised.

Sammy Ndung’u, the petitioner, was then slapped with a Ksh.12million fine and ordered to pay the amount as cost of lodging the suit.

The petitioner claimed that voting in Laikipia North had not taken place as the Pokot were involved in a security operation on the day of the election.

However, Lady Justice Mary Kasango said motion was unmerited.