Budalang'i MP Raphael Wanjala carried shoulder high by supporters after winning an election petition on Tuesday, January 30, 2018. [Photo|Busia County Government]
The case filed by two voters challenging the election of Budalang'i MP Raphael Wanjala was on Tuesday dismissed with costs by Busia High Court Judge Kiarie Waweru Kiarie.
"I find that the election of 8th August 2017 in respect of Budalang'i Constituency Member of Parliament was conducted in accordance with the constitution of Kenya and the electoral law and as provided under the Election Act and the Elections (Parliament and County Elections) Petition rules," said the judge.
He noted that nothing had been proved to warrant for a declaration that would annul the results declared by the second respondent.
"The petitioner will pay each respondent costs not exceeding Sh3 million. This will be subject to taxation by the Deputy Registrar. The sum that was deposited in court shall remain so deposited pending taxation of the costs," he said.
The trial Judge also made an order for thorough and proper inter-agencies investigations over claims that Ugandans voted in 2017 general elections.
"This should be coordinated by the Busia County Commissioner. A report of the outcome to be filed in court within six months of this Judgment. If these witnesses Hasede Moses and Masa Victor Wanyama confession of being aliens is true, then we must acknowledge that some foreigners voted in the 2017 elections. This is a dangerous trend. It cannot be allowed to stand," he said.
Wanjala said he would now embark on serving the people of Budalangi without basing it on political affiliations, adding that the priority projects he intends to finish by end of February were the Sigiri Bridge and Ruambwa- Road.
Busia First lady Judy Ojaamong thanked Wanjala for the victory and the Court for upholding his win.
"The MP will now work with Governor Sospeter Ojaamong to serve the people of Budalangi."
Petitioner Mercy Mola is a fourth year Education student at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology. Her education is funded by the Ababu Namwamba Foundation.