High Court upholds election of senator Chris Obure

By KENAN MIRUKA      

Kisii, Kenya: The High Court in Kisii has dismissed a petition challenging the election of Chris Obure as Kisii County senator.

Trial Judge Ruth Sitati delivered the highly anticipated judgment that lasted two hours as the packed court listened with bated breath.

She ruled that the allegations made by the petitioner, PDP chief agent Charles Mogere on behalf of Omingo Magara could not be proved above reasonable doubt.

Justice Sitati ruled that the will of the people of Kisii County was duly exercised in a free and fair election adding that the petition was devoid of merit.

It was a blow for Magara who was ordered to pay costs to Obure, the County Returning officer and the Independent Elections and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

Obure was elected senator on an ODM ticket after garnering 120,351 votes beating his closest challenger Prof Sam Ongeri who polled 106,325 votes.

Magara was third with 100,784 votes.

A visibly relieved Obure addressed hundreds of supporters who thronged the court precincts to witness the ruling.

“I thank God who gave me the win earlier on March 4 and today’s victory. The last six months have been full of anxiety and today’s verdict is a testimony that judicial reforms we agitated for have borne fruits,” said Obure.