Panyako dismisses court ruling after another major loss as Ndakwa confirmed Malava MP

Seth Panyako faces a major blow as Kakamega High Court nullifies the petition that was filed by John Karakacha challenging the results of the Malava by-elections, ruling in favour of David Ndakwa.

According to the court ruling, the petitioner failed to prove enough evidence that the Malava by-elections were not well conducted and Ndakwa did not win the election.

Speaking to journalists after the ruling, Seth Panyako, through the petitioner John Karakacha, said they had all the real evidence, but the outcome from the judge was not fair.

Karakacha said Malava residents’ vies have not been listened to, and therefore he will consult his lawyers whether he appeals or not.

“Justice has not been served to Malava residents. I am going to consult my lawyers on appealing because the judiciary seems to have been captured,” Karakacha said.

According to Karakacha, they laid all evidence where most polling centres experienced violence, and the court did not consider that where it agreed but said the level of violence did not affect the results.

In addition, Seth Panyako said in the beginning he had no confidence in the judiciary, and going forward he will not appeal unless the petitioner is sure.

He said there were illegalities in the Malava by-elections where his tallying centres were destroyed and even some of his workers were killed, but the court has refused to listen to them.

Panyako alleged that the county is going in the wrong way and the judiciary should be independent. He said the executive has infiltrated the judiciary.

“I knew the outcome but will keep fighting the regime. The judiciary has been captured, but people are with me. They have protected their puppet, but the time will come,” Seth Panyako said.

The lawyers representing Panyako, led by Nelson Havi, criticised the outcome as a threat to the country. Having said as much as he respects the court ruling, he believes that justice was not served.

Having said that, the case will be appealed, and Panyakao will have his way. He said Malava people deserve a leader but not an imposter.

He revealed from the evidence senior government officials were seen bribing residents to vote for Ndakwa, but the court ruled against their will.

He raised a concern over coming elections that if this will not change, Kenyans will suffer in the hands of brutal regimes.

“We had all valid evidence, but the court decided to rule against us. I respect the ruling, but I don’t believe their decision,” Havi said.

Ndakwa, through on his part, thanked the court for ruling in his favour. He said he knew the outcome and the petitioners were wasting their time.

The Malava MP added that his lawyers were well equipped despite intimidation from Panyako’s team. Ndakwa stated that his stand remains the same and he will defend himself.

He said he was legally elected and not forced on the people of Malava as alleged by Panyako. The MP vowed to work for the people and would not be intimidated.

He said if they try to appeal, he will still beat them, as he is prepared to tackle them.

“Wakirudi nitawashinda tena. I have confidence in the courts that I won perfectly. I did not use government machinery in my election, but people elected me overwhelmingly,” Ndakwa said.