Sospeter Ojaamong's lawyer David Ochieng (left) shares a word with Governor Sospeter Ojaamong's lawyer Stephen Likunya during the pre-trial conference outside Busia Law Courts. Busia Governor's legal advisor Justice Emeritus Alex Etyang looks on, October 19, 2017. [Photo|Busia County Government]Busia gubernatorial election petition challenging the re-election of Sospeter Ojaamong started on Thursday at the Busia Law Courts with a pre-trial conference before Judge Waweru Kiarie.The petition whose hearing date has been fixed for November 20-29 was filed by Peter Odima who was the chief campaigner of Ojaamong's closest challenger during the August 8 polls, Paul Otuoma.Ojaamong's lawyer Stephen Likunya said the parties agreed that applications for further affidavit and scrutiny of election materials will be heard on November 3.The petitioner had asked the court to grant orders for preservation of the KIEMS kit, but IEBC lawyer defended the Commission, saying the kits had been formatted to pave way for the presidential elections scheduled for next Thursday.However, lawyers representing the petitioner and third respondent dismissed the argument, saying the law requires preservation of election material for three years.The petitioner wants the court to grant orders for recount of ballot boxes for Teso North, Teso South and Butula constituencies.The parties also agreed that election materials at Matayos be secured by having both parties agree to put extra seals on the ballot boxes for constituencies they want the court to order for a recount.The petitioner will line up 50 witnesses for three days, the IEBC will have 10 witnesses for two days while the Ojaamong will line up 21 witnesses during the 10-day hearing.

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