An appeal against the decision to allow more presidential candidates in next week’s repeat election was withdrawn on Thursday after dramatic court proceedings. Claims of bribery and a last-minute change of lawyers representing Abraham Kiplagat, who had appealed the High Court decision that opened the door for five other presidential candidates for the October 26 poll, rocked the hearing at the Court of Appeal. The case was an appeal against a judgement that allowed Thirdway Alliance candidate Ekuru Aukot’s name to be included on the ballot for the October 26 poll.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) cited the ruling to open the doors to four other presidential candidates.
It emerged that Mr Kiplagat on Wednesday dropped lawyer Nelson Havi and hired two lawyers, Anthony Gitonga and Evans Lagat, with instructions to withdraw the appeal.
But yesterday, Havi told justices Alnasir Visram, Wanjiru Karanja, and Martha Koome that he was still representing Kiplagat. He sensationally claimed that his client was offered Sh7 million to withdraw the case and that the new lawyers were hired by the Jubilee Party.
Full Article: Drama in Appeal Court as case against election is withdrawn :: Kenya – The Standard.
