UDA hopefuls hit with Sh500,000 legal fees

Two petitioners who contested and lost the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) nominations in Trans Nzoia County have been slapped with a legal bill of more than Sh500,000 after they lost a petition at the Kitale Law Courts.

Jonathan Keter, who is visually impaired, is grappling with the harsh reality of betrayal after failing to be picked to represent persons with disabilities (PWD).

As the only person shortlisted for this crucial role, Keter's journey was marked by sacrifices, only to be abandoned by some elected party leaders.

During the 2022 presidential campaign for William Ruto, Keter ardently supported UDA, likening his devotion to the party to that of a wife.

But this controversial statement led to a four-month separation from his wife. Despite this, he continued dedicating himself to UDA, even selling a dairy cow for campaign expenses.

"My spouse told me to stay with UDA and left me. If it were not for the elders intervening, I would be lonely today," said the father of six.

Keter sold a dairy cow for Sh45,000 to pay the Sh30,000 nomination fee. The remaining Sh15,000 was used to fuel a borrowed motorcycle for campaign activities.

Despite his dedication, Keter was left out of the party nomination, leaving the Trans Nzoia County Assembly without a PWD representation.

Financial constraints initially hindered him from filing a petition against the party and the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). But encouragement from a prominent politician reignited his fight for justice.

However, the politician failed to cover legal fees, leaving Keter in a dire situation.

A court ruling imposed a hefty fine of Sh532,850 on October 25, compelling Keter to reconsider his pursuit of justice.

Angeline Too, another affected individual, invested her resources in campaigning for UDA after being promised a nomination. But she faced fines alongside Keter in a case against UDA and the IEBC.

The petitioners filed a case in the Kitale High Court, which was struck out by Justice Anthony Mrima with costs.