The Court of Appeal in Kisumu will on Tuesday (Today) issue a date when it will hear an election petition filed by Homa-Bay Governor Cyprian Awiti.
Governor Awiti moved to the Appellate court after the High court quashed his election citing gross violation of electoral laws.
Last week, two Court of Appeal Judges, Hanna Okwengu and Jamila Mohammed presided over the pre-trials of election appeals involving five Nyanza governors.
All the governor were given dates when they will defend their seats save for the Homabay County boss.
If any of the governors; Anyang’ Nyong’o (Kisumu), John Nyagarama (Nyamira), Cyprian Awiti (Homabay), Jomes Ongwae (Kisii) and Okoth Obado (Migori) losses in the appeals, then the respective county will be headed for another gubernatorial election.
Awiti’s close contender Oyugi Magwanga could have his dream of becoming the Homa Bay county chief if he wins during the hearings.
On May 7, the Appellant court will hear the appeal filed by Jack Ranguma contesting the victory of Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o. Justice David Majanja threw away a petition by Ranguma protesting against the victory of Nyong’o.
Kisii Governor James Ongwae will on May 15 defend his gubernatorial seat in an appeal filed by his competitor Joel Makori. Governor Ongwae’s election had been upheld by the High Court, but Makori appealed the ruling on grounds that it was unfair, and not satisfactory.
On May 17, the court will hear an appeal protesting the victory of Migori governor Okoth Obado by his rival Ochilo Ayako.
Nyamira Governor John Nyagarama will lock horns with his rival Walter Nyambati who had his election petition struck out by a High Court judge on February 27.
Nyambati filed the appeal protesting that the High Court was not keen on handling his petition.His lawyer Osoro Mogikoyo expressed optimism that the apex court will rule in favor of his client, who he claimed rightfully won the elections.
The hearing will be done by Justice Mohammed, Justice Okwengu, Justice Erastus Githinji and also by a bench of Judges from Nairobi.