A judge has disqualified himself from hearing the Kitutu Masaba election petition. Kisii resident judge Daniel Musinga on Monday withdrew from the petition challenging the election of Mr Walter Nyambati as MP, citing personal reasons.

“I’m withdrawing from the case because of personal reasons, which I cannot state in this court or write in the file. I’m sorry for the inconvenience caused,” Mr Justice Musinga said.

The judge said he would forward the file to Chief Justice Evan Gicheru for further directions. Mr Justice Gicheru is expected to name another judge to hear the case, which has been in court for three years.

Made rulings in petitions

The judge expeditiously heard and made rulings in election petitions against former assistant ministers Joel Onyancha (Bomachoge) and Omingo Magara (South Mugirango). The two lost their seats to petitioners Simon Ogari and Manson Nyamweya respectively.

Mr Justus Mung’umbu Omiti, a voter who filed the Kitutu Masaba petition, is represented by Mr Patrick Kerongo while Mr Nyambati is represented by Mr Alphaxad Mogikoyo. Mr Nyambati and his followers celebrated after the judge read his order. Mr Nyambati termed the judge’s decision as a win. He has since filed two other applications to halt the case.