Muguga by-election: UDA to challenge Jubilee victory in court

Jubilee’s victor in the recently concluded Muguga by-elections isn’t sitting calm after the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) said it will challenge Joseph Mung’ara Githinji’s election as the ward rep.

In a statement made on Tuesday, July 20, UDA said it will challenge Githinji’s victory who beat their candidate Peter Kamau Thumbi by 27 votes.

“Majority of the 110 votes that were categorised as rejected, belong to our candidate. Given the slim victory margin, reconsideration of the rejected votes would have a significant impact on the final tally. And, we believe if a recount is conducted, factoring in the so-called rejected votes, our candidate will carry the day,” UDA’s agent in the Muguga by-election James Gacheru said.

Addressing the press at PCEA Lay Training and Conference Centre in Zambezi, Muguga Ward, UDA said they will implore Thumbi who garnered 4,062 votes to challenge Jubilee’s victory in court,

“It is shocking to note that after massive voter bribery, misuse of Administration officers including uniformed Chiefs, high level of Voter intimidation, the Jubilee Party can demand for vote recount while knowing very well that on 15th July 2021, they did everything possible to try and unfairly sway the results of Kiambaa Constituency & Muguga Ward By election!” UDA’s Secretary General Veronica Juma said in a separate statement on Tuesday, July 20.

However, the statement by UDA which is allied to Deputy President William Ruto comes after Thumbi conceded defeat on Friday, July 16.

“In every competition, there must be a winner. This was not my time. So, I take this opportunity to congratulate the winner, and wish him well. May we live to fight another time. UDA believes when you lose an election, you accept,” Thumbi said.

On Thursday, July 15, the people of Muguga ward voted to replace former MCA Eliud Ngugi who also succumbed to coronavirus.