Tana River Governor Dhadho Godhana. [Photo/tuponews]Tana River Governor Dhadho Godhana has suffered a double blow after a Malindi High Court merged two petitions filed against into one case.
The petitions were filed by an area resident identified as Mohamed Hatu and immediate former governor Hussein Dado.
Lady Justice Asenath Ongeri instructed all parties involved to file any replies under three days before the pre-trial.
Hatu filed the petition asking the court to dismiss the election of Godhana on the grounds that the incumbent did not qualify for the elective position as in accordance with section 22 of the Elections Act 2011 and Regulation 47 of elections.
In his petition, Hatu claims that the ODM governor holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Development Studies from Kimmage Development Studies Centre in Tanzania.
The college is said to be an affiliate of a University in Ireland, an institution not recognised by Kenyan authorities.
Hatu also claimed that the election was conducted contrary to the constitution.
O his part, former Governor Dado wants the court to nullify the election citing irregularities in the electoral process.
Dado, a Jubilee Party candidate claimed that over 5,000 votes were not tabulated.