Coalition gets ready for more by-elections

Wiper Democratic Movement Leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Mutula Kilonzo Junior address in Kikima township. FILE PHOTO 

By BOB ODALO bodalo@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted  Saturday, August 10  2013 at  20:01

Just three weeks after winning with a landslide the heavily contested Makueni senatorial race, the Cord Alliance has instructed its battle-hardened troops to remain in Ukambani land as the possibility of two more elections looms.

The coalition, in a bid to ensure that the region remains under its grip, is targeting Matungulu and Kibwezi constituencies in yet two other by-elections coming hot on the heels of the Makueni race which was concluded in July 26.

The Wiper Democratic Movement Party which is a major partner in the Cord Coalition lost the Matungulu seat when High Court Judge Justice Lillian Mutende ruled two weeks ago that the party MP Stephen Mule was not validly elected on the March 4 General Election.

Four petitioners who were losers in the polls - Thomas Malinda Musau of NDP, Stephen Ndambuki Muli (ODM), John Makenzi, a former MP, Moffat Maithya (Narc) and former school principal John Makenzi (CCU) - filed a petition against Mr Mule soon after the polls.

The petitioners had made several allegations bordering on foul play by the former MP and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission which the judge relied on to snatch the seat from the youthful Mr Mule.

Despite a recount of votes as directed by the court showing that Mr Mule led in the polls, the Judge was not convinced saying irregularities in the exercise were massive and a repeat of the whole process was the only option left to get a clear winner.

And the judgement in a petition in which two unsuccessful candidates for the Kibwezi West Parliamentary seat Mr Richard Kalembe Ndile and Ms Caroline Mwelu Mwandiku against Dr Patrick Musimba who was declared MP, will be delivered this week.

A recount of votes showed that Mr Ndile had won the contest. In his ruling two months ago High Court Judge Justice David Majanja said in view of the circumstances he had only two options to ponder on - either to declare Mr Ndile the winner or order for a second round of polls.

Meanwhile, Mule is preparing to face his accusers in a fresh battle.