Mathare aspirants in limbo ahead of court’s ruling
An air of uncertainty hangs over Mathare Constituency ahead of a Supreme Court ruling that will determine whether voters will choose a new MP.
The court rules on Tuesday on a petition filed by former MP George Mike Wanjohi who the Court of Appeal said was not validly elected as MP on March 4 last year.
Thursday’s suspension by the Supreme Court of the April 29 Othaya by-election, gave The National Alliance some hope that a similar decision might be made on the Mathare case.
The similarities between the cases is that the High Courts had upheld elections of both former MPs Mary Wambui (Othaya) and George Wanjohi (Mathare) only for the Court of Appeal to overturn the judgements.
“Our hope is that the Supreme court will uphold the status quo,” said Starehe MP Maina Kamanda.
But despite the lull in campaigns, both Cord and Jubilee have faced rebellion within their ranks from interested candidates.
In ODM, lawyer Anthony Oluoch said he expected competitive nominations in the party should fresh elections be called.
In TNA, while the party hopes for a restoration of the seat through the court, nominees for the party’s ticket want the court to order a fresh election.
“Mathare has six wards, four ODM and two TNA. Legitimacy will be put in question, and this will affect ethnic relations here,” said Mr Jackson Mwangi, a TNA nominee for the seat.