Petitioner accuses Jubilee MP of using ‘bewitched’ money to charm voters in August polls
Kinangop Member of National Assembly Zachary Thuku Kwenya used bewitched money to win his re-election, an election petition court in Nyahururu has heard.
In a petition filed by United Democratic Alliance (UDA) aspirant Amos Chege, challenging his victory, Chege accused his competitor of voter bribery and improper votes entering.
He claimed that the election was marred by massive irregularities, voter bribery, swapping of results, voter suppression and voter manipulation that compromised its integrity.
The petitioner submitted that the flaws and irregularities that characterized the election, unlawfully subverted the sovereign will of the electorate, hence calling on the court to nullify the results of Kinangop constituency parliamentary seat.
“Maybe that money was bewitched because the voters would tell me; I was supposed to vote for you but I was given money and I don’t know what changed my mind.
“They stationed their agents at the gate with sh. 200 notes each to ditch out and to change people’s minds. It is an election offence to give money to sway voters to vote for you,” said Chege.
The MP through his lawyers, Kithinji Marete, Chege Njoroge and Tom Kabau said that they were acting for the MP and expressed optimism that the case will go on well and within the timelines.
The lawyers said the law has given the courts strict timelines to conclude election petition cases.
“The court is taking the evidence of the petitioner and we have heard some witnesses. The gist of the case is that there was alleged bribery in various parts of Kinangop Constituency. In my view, the most glaring allegation is that the petitioner purports that he lost the election simply because of bribery.
“It is his contention that he was very popular and he could not have lost other than the alleged bribery but we continue to take the evidence and I don’t think he has shown us any case of bribery,” said Kithinji Marete
Lawyer Njoroge added that the court will hear the case of the petitioner and IEBC and the respondent will be given an opportunity to demonstrate their evidence.
“It is upon hearing the entirety of the evidence that a case is decided,” said Njoroge.
Kwenya was re-elected for a second term in office under the Jubilee Party ticket having garnered 39,338 votes against the petitioner, Amos Chege of UDA who garnered 34,842 votes.
The petitioner is being represented by lawyer P.K Njuguna. The case is being heard by Justice James Wakiaga.
