Why Senator Moses Wetang'ula Could Lose His Seat

Senate Minority leader Moses Wetang'ula could lose his seat, after suggestions were given to have his name removed from the national voters register over an election offense.

IEBC Chief Executive Officer Ezra Chiloba noted that Senate Speaker Ekwee Ethuro should commence the process by publishing a report from the Supreme Court indicating that Wetangula was found guilty of voter bribery on March 17, 2015.

According Mr Chiloba, the publication of the report would enable the electoral body to take proper action against the Senator.

“Upon the publication, the commission is required to consider that report and establish whether or not the offender should be removed from the register of voters,” Chiloba told The Star, referring to Section 87(3) of the Elections Act.

According to Section 24(1)(a) of the Elections Act, it is stated that one qualifies for nomination to a Member of Parliament if the person is registered as a voter. Therefore the Bungoma Senator risks being sent home if  his name is ejected from the voters roll. 

Senator Wetang'ula was found guilty of committing voter bribery and treating voters by the Bungoma court on September 30, 2013, a verdict that was upheld by both the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. Registrar of the Supreme Court stated that the findings of the court were submitted to Ethuro, Director of Public Prosecutions Keriako Tobiko and IEBC Chairman Issack Hassan.