Baringo North Member of Parliament William Cheptumo. [Photo/nation.co.ke]
Baringo North MP William Cheptumo has changed his lead counsel in a case challenging his victory in the August 8 elections.
This is after his initial Nakuru based lawyer Collins Odhiambo withdrew his representation, saying his client had sought for a new counsel with experience in election petitions.
Odhiambo was replaced by senior high court advocate Charles Kanjama, a move that saw the court adjourn by a day and resulting in the MP being penalised.
The Kabarnet high court judge Edward Murithi fined Cheptumo Sh100,000 for the inconvenience.
Kanjama began by cross-examining the petitioner, Joseph Makilap, and his witnesses over the evidence thus far adduced in the case.
Makilap who vied on People’s Democratic Reforms (PDR) ticket is seeking nullification of results through a thorough scrutiny and recount of votes cast in the last general elections.
Justice Muriithi took to task Makilap on the grounds he wants he wants the results nullified as supported in the 200-page petition headed by lead counsel Gordon Ogola.
However, the aspirant who appeared before the court explained to the court that he was deprived his win, blaming on the second respondent which is Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission for doctoring the last parliamentary elections to suit his main challenger William Cheptumo who won with just 39 votes, as he garnered 12,374 to the incumbent's 12,413 votes.
Makilap also added that on a material day he was intimidated by security officers at the Baringo North Sub County Tallying center, saying he was denied access to the facility as results were being announced very late in the night.
“My opponent was declared the winner at night after power went off at the tallying center and the results were stolen thereafter,” said an agitated Makilap.
Speaking to the press after the day-long court process, both camps exuded confidence they will win the case.
“I am confident with my lead counsel but as you saw today Cheptumo changed his lawyer midway perhaps an indication that the case is getting tougher for them,” said Makilap.
“The process is moving at the right pace although it is so tedious and exhausting with the long proceedings at the court to cross-examine all the 15 witnesses,” said Cheptumo.
They asked the residents to stay calm and wait for the final ruling.
The court will also hear from Baringo North Returning officer Joseph Masindet and third respondent William Cheptumo in the coming days before the judge gives their final verdict in the case.