Nakuru West MP Samuel Arama responding to the ODM disciplinary committee on October 14, 2016. /SILVIA KOIN
The high court in Nakuru has struck out a petition challenging the election of Nakuru West MP Samuel Arama.
The petition was filed by ODM candidate Isoke Ochoki.
Arama (Jubilee) garnered 29,682 votes against Ochoki’s 25,071votes.
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Justice Mumbi Ngugi in her ruling said the petitioner did not provide sufficient evidence to prove claims of voter bribery, voter intimidation, inconsistency of serial numbers in form 35A, alteration of election papers and differences in entries.
The judge said that claims by the petitioner that his agents were barred from accessing polling stations lacked merit since, in areas where he did not have personal agents, ODM agents were present and actually signed the relevant declaration form.
Further, the judge observed that variation of serial numbers was not intended to manipulate votes as claimed by the petitioner.
The court ordered Ochoki to pay Sh2.5 million to Arama and a further Sh2.5 million to the IEBC.
Throughout the court session, Ochoki sat next to his lawyers and did not address the media after the ruling.
Arama was not present in court as he was said to be engaged in other matters in Nairobi.
His supporters broke into song and dance after the ruling prompting police to chase them away from the court precincts.
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