ODM politician Rishad Amana at a past function. [Photo/barakafm.org]
ODM politician Rishad Amana has expressed confidence that he will emerge victorious after the recount of the Lamu West parliamentary seat votes kicked off on Monday morning amid tight security.The exercise, which is currently underway at the county IEBC offices in Mokowe town, was ordered after Amana moved to court to challenge Stanley Muthama’s of Maendeleo Chap Chap win.“I know I won and this exercise will vindicate me and restore my victory. Let justice be done,” said Amana, as quoted by The Star.Amana won the election petition at the High Court in Malindi after the court ordered a recount of the votes in which he garnered 10,950 votes against Muthama’s 11,090.The ODM candidate told the court that the exercise was marred by irregularities, citing inconsistencies in the tallying of votes which he says saw him lose the election. Amana and Muthama have both asked their supporters to remain calm and stay away from the IEBC office as the process continues.On his part, Muthama has also insisted that he won the election in a free and fair manner.“My win wasn’t accidental. It was a just election by the people of Lamu West. The vote recount doesn’t scare me. I call on my supporters to be patient and calm,” said Muthama.