Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho on Thursday commended the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) over the August election stating it was free and fair.
Testifying in an election petition filed by former Senator Hassan Omar challenging his win, he specifically lauded the electoral agency in respect to the Mombasa gubernatorial election.
During the hearing presided by Justice Lydia Achode, he denied the claims that he plotted a rigging scheme with the independent body.
He maintained that he was duly elected after winning with a huge margin against his competitors.
[caption caption="Hassan Joho in court"]
[/caption]
“I am the duly elected Governor of Mombasa, the election was free and fair. IEBC did a commendable job, especially concerning the election of the seat of the Governor in Mombasa County,” Governor Joho stated.
He refuted the claims that the County Returning Officer Nancy Wanjiku did not comply with election regulations in declaring him the gubernatorial winner.
When asked about the allegations that he had forms declaring him as the winner, he noted that the IEBC was more suited to respond.
He stated that as far as he knew, his declaration was proper and in accordance to the Constitution and election laws and regulations.
The former Senator who vied under the Wiper party wants the court to declare that there were massive irregularities in the conduct of Mombasa gubernatorial election.
Mr Omar also wants the IEBC, and the declaration of Mr Joho as the validly elected governor declared invalid, null and void.
[caption caption="Governor Joho and IEBC officials"]
[/caption]
