Record 98 MPs Face Petitions Challenging their Victories

A record 98 MPs are staring at intense legal battles in coming weeks after losers filed petitions in court challenging their August 8th victories.

The Judiciary promised to concluded petitions arising from last month's elections within six months and with Judges returning to work next week after a long vacation, they will be ready to begin hearing the cases.

Election petition will be given priority. Earlier this year, judges and magistrates were trained to handle the cases.

Chief Justice David Maraga urged Judges and magistrates to concentrate on substantive issues im the disputes and ignore legal and procedural technicalities.

Among legislators facing election petitions are all the seven MPs elected in Kilifi County, which were won on Raila-led ODM party.

In Kakamega, 12 election disputes have been filed challenging the election of 10 MPs, while in Nairobi, nine MPs will be fighting to keep their seats. In Kisii, seven MPs have court petitions.

All elected MPs in Turkana, apart Loima and Turkana Central are also facing legal battles. 12 woman representatives, 15 senators and 32 governors will also be fighting to have the court uphold their wins.