William Libombolo Makhalanya, a contender in the 2022 Lugari Ward MCA elections, claims that his petition case was mishandled by the court.
In January, Mr. Makhalanya secured victory when the Kakamega Law Courts deemed his petition valid and nullified Grey Moi’s election as Lugari Ward MCA on grounds of massive irregularities on the part of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Nevertheless, the High Court in Kakamega reversed its initial verdict after Grey Moi appealed, officially reinstating him as Lugari Ward MCA on July 19, 2023, dealing a huge blow to Mr. Makhalanya.
Mr. Makhalanya now believes that powerful individuals with vested interests in controlling the leadership of Lugari Ward significantly influenced the verdict.
“The ruling was interfered with by a gang of people who want to control Lugari Ward,” he said during an interview at a local radio station.
Despite the setback, Makhalanya says he has chosen to move forward. He said he remains committed to serving the people of Lugari Ward, funding projects from his own resources, and assuming an opposition role against Grey Moi’s rule.
“I am the Raila of Lugari Ward politics. The same way Raila is dealing with Ruto is how I will deal with him (Moi),” he said.
He added that he will be on the ballot in 2027 “as long as I am alive.”
Sam Oduor is the editor-in-chief at the Western Kenya Times who leverages the power of the Internet in telling stories that shape opinions.