The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) and the Jubilee Party are staring at a potential crisis after the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal issued new orders on their nominations.
The tribunal cancelled the ODM nominations for Gem Constituency and ordered the party to pick a candidate for the constituency in 24 hours, following a petition filed by incumbent Gem MP Jakoyo Midiwo.
The ruling offers Midiwo a lifeline as ODM had earlier declared Mr Elisha Odhiambo the victor in Gem with 13,565 votes against Midiwo's 8,125.
The tribunal also ruled that the Jubilee party should not present the name of Murang’a Governor Mwangi Wa Iria to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as its candidate until a dispute filed by his rival, Kigumo MP Jamleck Kamau, is heard and determined.
In a different ruling, High Court judge Stella Mutuku directed Jubilee not to submit the names of either Nominated Senator Martha Wangari or her rival, incumbent MP Nderitu Mathenge, for the Gilgil Constituency seat until all disputes in the matter are resolved.
Former Personal Assistant in the Office of the Prime Minister Caroli Omondi suffered a huge blow in his bid to vie for Suba South constituency as an independent candidate after the tribunal ruled that he had not finished the mandatory three months not being a member of any political party.
In Machakos County Gubernatorial contest, Wiper nominee Wavinya Ndeti’s fate hangs in the balance following a petition by Machakos Deputy Governor Bernard Kiala, who claimed that the nominations were marred with massive irregularities.
The Tribunal is expected to issue more rulings today as there are still over 50 cases awaiting judgment.
