Reprieve as court gives Nathif access to KIEMS

The High Court sitting in Nairobi has granted Former Garissa Governor Nathif Jama access to the Kenya Integrated Electoral Management System (KIEMS) kits used in the August 8 general election, in the petition in which he is challenging the win by Ali Korane.

High Court has allowed Jama to read, copy and preserve election material in possession of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission relating to the contested gubernatorial election in Garissa County before the case proceeds.

Appearing before judge James Wakiaga, Jama’s lawyer Omwanza Ombati said the former governor has expressed confidence his election petition will sail through and see Korane’s victory overturned.

Current governor Korane, who was vying on a Jubilee Party ticket, garnered 59,871 votes in the August poll to beat Jama, who was vying on a Wiper Party ticket, who got 55,156 votes, but Jama argues that the election in which he was defending his seat was a sham and marred by massive electoral irregularities.

At the same time, Justice Wakiaga directed the issue regarding Jama’s academic qualifications be heard on Friday, with the former governor being accused by Korane of allegedly using fake academic papers during the last election.

Tension reigned before and during the announcement of the poll results at the Garissa National Library Services county tallying center, with the Returning Officer Antony Njoroge being whisked away under tight police security after announcing the contested results.