Former Deputy Speaker Farah Maalim has vowed to appeal the High Court’s decision to dismiss his petition challenging the election of Garissa Township MP Aden Duale.
Mr. Maalim said he will challenge the High Court ruling delivered by Justice Hedwig Ong’udi that upheld the victory of Mr. Duale as the validly elected Garissa Township MP in the August 8, 2017, elections.
Speaking after the court ruling, Mr. Maalim said he will move to the Court of Appeal to prove that the judgment by the court was flawed.
“I respect the Judiciary. I respect the judgment made by the judge. They aren’t always right and they might be wrong and you prove that in another court. I will go to the Court of Appeal to prove that this judgment was flawed.”
“We feel that there is evidence that wasn’t taken into consideration and I want to believe that is in the judge’s opinion of that. We feel we will get a different ruling at a higher court,” said Mr. Maalim.
Justice Ong’udi while dismissing the petition ruled that Mr. Maalim failed to prove that some voters in the general election were denied a chance to cast their votes.
Justice Ong’udi also dismissed claims made by the petitioner that Mr. Duale influenced the recruitment of presiding officers and other poll officials.
The judge ruled that Mr. Maalim had not provided sufficient evidence to support his claims that the Garissa Township election was marred by irregularities.
Mr. Maalim has been directed to pay Sh6 million as the cost of the petition.
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