Taveta MP Naomi Shaban admits poll results were altered

By WILLIS OKETCH

Taveta MP Naomi Shaban admitted election officials changed election results, but denied she was part of the alteration.

Dr Shaban said the tallies on Form 35 at Rekeke Polling Station were changed from 250 votes to 310. 

“I have nothing to do with the alteration, which is part of documents filed in the court,” she said.

In her testimony during a case challenging her election, the MP on Thursday told Mombasa judge Fred Ochieng that she did not know why this took place.

She also pointed out that despite complaints by the petitioner, Mr Basil Criticos, that Form 35 for Rekete Polling Station was altered, he did not plead the same in the petition he has filed.

Shaban refuted claims by Criticos that she was given preferential treatment by the Returning Officer Isaiah Saha Madzungu.

And a witness, Moses Onyango Otieno, told the court he saw people load maize flour, sugar and rice onto a local CDF vehicle to purportedly bribe  voters.

But Shaban accused Criticos of peddling lies, saying the car that was impounded was ferrying security officers and IEBC officials to a polling station. “The said vehicle was not under my control because I resigned as the chairman in January as demanded by the law,” said Shaban.

Bribe voters

The driver of the CDF vehicle, Filemon Beruba, claimed unknown people intercepted him at Langata Estate and took away the car’s keys and his mobile phone, claiming he was distributing foodstuff on behalf of Shaban to induce residents to vote for her.

The hearing continues on Friday.