Judge Disqualifies Himself From Hearing Case Challenging Election of Governor Wambora

Appeals Court Judge Sankale Kantai announced he had disqualified himself from hearing the case challenging Embu Governor Martin Wambora’s win in last year's election.

The judge exposed the dirty tricks one of the parties was playing in an attempt to bribe him.

He maintained that the party had attempted to persuade him to influence the case by ruling in their favour.

The appeal has now been adjourned to July 3 for further hearing with the constitution of a new bench.

[caption caption="Judge Sankale Kantai"][/caption]

During the last sitting, the Court of Appeal adjourned the hearing after one of the leading counsels failed to make it to court.

The court was told that lawyer Wairimu Rugaita, who was representing Deputy Governor David Kariuki in the case, broke her leg early last month and was scheduled to undergo medical surgery.

Rugatia had sent lawyer Lucy Mwai, who was not familiar with the case to appear on her behalf and produce medical reports to support her absence.

Wambora had appealed a High Court decision on September 19 last year that nullified his election and called for fresh polls within 60 days.

Lawyers Ahmednassir Abdullahi for Wambora, Tom Ojienda for former Senator Lenny Kivuti and Mwangi Kibicho of the electoral commission did not oppose the application.

[caption caption="Embu Governor Martin Wambora"][/caption]

Wambora had faulted Justice William Musyoka of the High Court in Embu, for ruling that the governorship election in the county was marked by massive irregularities that compromised the integrity of the electoral process.