Former Nairobi Governor Evans Kidero claims his competitor in the Homa Bay gubernatorial race, Gladys Wanga won the through intimidation and violence.
In his petition challenging Wanga’s victory, the former county boss alleges that she employed intimidation tactics through the infamous “Men-in-black”.
According to the petitioner, “Men-in-black” – an organized criminal gang – was deployed by the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) to intimidate independent candidates or those vying under other parties.
Kidero details how the sitting governor benefitted from the bribery and violence executed by the gang on August 9.
Read: ODM is Personal Property – Kidero Slams Party Leadership
He alleges that the party in conjunction with Wanga’s spouse used the gang to threaten his supporters as well as Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) staff on election day.
He also tells the court that reporting the criminal incidences to the police was an exercise in futility and that members of the gang are well known to the public.
Kidero asserts that his agents reported the incidents to the police and will present OB numbers during the hearing.
The former city boss claims that Wanga’s election cannot be allowed to stand “in view of the very grave possible bout of criminalities committed by or in favour of Wanga and her deputy Joseph Magwanga’s candidature”.
Read Also: Kidero to Vie for Homa Bay Governor Seat as Independent Candidate
Further, Kidero said that ODM party leader Raila Odinga was to blame for his loss as he called on the voters to pick ODM candidates only.
“The said remarks specifically targeted my candidacy and amounted to intimidation of the Petitioners and improper and/or undue influence on the electorate contrary to the basic principle of the electoral system under Article 81(e)(ii) of the Constitution.”
Dr Kidero further claims that at several polling stations where he received the majority of the votes, dishonest presiding officials switched his votes.
Kidero wants the court to order a thorough examination of all electoral materials, including electronic records, equipment, and gadgets, for the governor’s race.
Read Also: Governor Mwangaza Accuses Kathuri, Linturi of Demanding Share of County Executive
He requests a recount and a recalculation of the votes cast in each of the eight Homa-Bay County seats.
In the petition filed, Kidero and his running mate Elijah Kodo have sued the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), Homa Bay County Returning Officer Fredrick Apopa, Wanga, Magwanga and ODM party as the first, second, third, fourth and fifth defendants respectively.
Wanga was declared the winner with 244,559 votes against Kidero’s 154,182 votes.
1 thought on “Kidero Claims “Men-in-black” Helped Wanga Win Homa Bay Governor Seat”