Mbadi: ODM Can’t Afford to Loss Homa Bay seat

The ODM party has said it will work hard to reclaim the Homa Bay governor seat if a by-election is called, chairman John Mbadi has said.

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The Supreme Court is set to start hearing governor Cyprian Awiti’s petition after the appellate court dismissed his previous appeal challenging the nullification of his election.

Awiti’s election win was successfully challenged in High Court by his rival and former Kasipul MP Oyugi Magwanga.

But Mbadi said subject to the outcome of the court, the party brigade will pinch tent in Homa Bay to ensure their candidate retains the seat.

The chairman noted that defeat will be a disgrace to the party leader Raila Odinga and its entire leadership.

“It will be very unfortunate to me as the party national chairman if the county where I also hail from is under a governor outside ODM,” Mbadi said.

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Speaking on Saturday during a fundraiser at Got Adundo primary school in his constituency, the Suba South MP condemned what he termed as the high-level corruption in Homa Bay.

The chairman said ODM party leadership had instructed Awiti to crack the whip on corrupt officials.

Mbadi who was accompanied by Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino noted that rampant graft was tainting the image of the county and hampering its development agenda.

“We’re surprised with reports that most Homa Bay MCAs embroiled in squabbles because of graft in the county assembly,” Mbadi said.

He said,“ the party will not hesitate from taking action against the members who are tender-preneurs.”

Awiti’s Woes

Awiti’s appeal was thwarted by a Kisumu court. Making the ruling in July, justice Fatuma Sichale said the appeal lacked merit and that the election was free and fair. Supporters were heard shouting while celebrating outside the court as the judge gave the details of the judgement.

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Awiti had wanted the appeal court to rule on a petition he filed for the annulment of his victory overturned.

Former Kasipul MP Oyugi Magwanga won a petition at the High Court against Awiti’s win, after emerging second in the vote that took place on August 8, 2017.

At the time, judge Joseph Karanja said the IEBC failed to ensure a free and fair election.

During the appeal hearing, IEBC lawyers faulted the decision.

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The appeal was dismissed with Sh5 million costs down from Sh6 million.

Speaking after the ruling, Magwanga commended the court for a decisive ruling saying the will of the people has been obeyed.

He said the court has retained justice for Homa Bay people and challenged Awiti to face him on the ballot.

“I want to tell my opponent that if he is man enough then let us meets on the ballot. The electorates will decide,” Magwanga said.

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