Relief for Kinangop MP Kwenya Thuku after case challenging his election dismissed

Kinangop Member of Parliament (MP) Kwenya Thuku can now a breathe sigh of relief after the Nyahururu Law courts on Friday threw out a petition challenging his win at the August 2022 polls.

Nyahururu High Court Judge James Wakiaga dismissed the petitioned filed by Thuku's rival Amos Chege Njoroge on grounds that there was insufficient evidence to substantiate rigging and voter bribery claims lodged against the legislator.

Witnesses brought to testify before the court could also not corroborate the claims, according to Justice Wakiaga.

The judge, in his ruling, ordered Njoroge to pay Ksh.500,000 to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), the first respondent in the case, and an additional Ksh.2 million to Thuku, the second respondent.

Thuku, who was elected on a Jubilee Party ticket in the August polls, was declared winner of the contest after garnering 39,338 votes against his closest competitor, UDA's Njoroge, who managed 34,842 votes.

Speaking after the ruling, Thuku lauded Laikipia County's judicial system while adding that he can now focus his attention on serving the people of Kinangop since the implementation of his agenda had been derailed by the case's proceedings.

He at the same time categorically stated that he was ready to work with the Kenya Kwanza government under the leadership of President William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua.