Embu Governor Martin Wambora Loses His Seat

Voters in Embu County could be headed back to the polls after the High Court on Thursday quashed the election of Governor Martin Wambora of Jubilee Party.

While nullifying the election, Justice William Musyoka said it was evident that the process was marred by massive irregularities, which undermined its credibility.

"There is no doubt that the errors affected the final outcome of the election. I have come to the conclusion that there were irregularities and errors during the counting and tallying of votes. The results cannot be said to be credible, verifiable and reflecting the will of the people of Embu,” ruled Justice Musyoka.

"Errors in compliance of the law undermine the process of elections. I hereby nullify the election," Justice Musyoka declared.

"A court is not precluded from examining electoral materials merely because the issue was not pleaded," he added.

The court has directed Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to conduct a fresh poll in strict adherence to the law. The judge also ordered Wambora to pay Sh3 million as cost for the petition.

Justice Musyoka had last month ordered for a recount of votes and scrutiny of forms 37A and B from disputed polling stations in Mbeere South, Runyenjes and Manyatta constituencies.

Governor Martin Wambora was declared the winner by IEBC after garnering 97,760 votes against the petitioner, former senator Lenny Kivuti of Maendeleo Chap Chap (MCC), who got 96,775 votes.

Wambora, through Lawyer Ahmednassir Abdullahi, has vowed to appeal the decision.

Wambora is the third governor to lose his seat after Homa Bay's Cyprian Awiti and Wajir's Ahmed Mohammed Abdi.