A landmark court decision that upheld the recent high court nullification of the election of Wajir governor Mohammed Abdi Mohamud on Friday morning has set the ground for fresh gubernatorial elections that is to be conducted within the next 60 days.
Judges Philip Waki, Milton Makhandia and Patrick Kiage said governor Mohamud was not qualified to contest as he did not have a valid degree.
This follows a court of appeal petition filed by his predecessor Ahmed Abdullahi who successfully convinced the court that the election was riddled with irregularities and that Mohamud does not possess valid academic credentials to hold the gubernatorial office as required by law.
In a judgement read by justice Kathurima M’inoti, the three added that Abdi wasted a chance to tell his side of the story when he failed to respond to the allegations raised against him.
Previously at the high court, justice Mabeya said that the governor failed to turn up in court to dispel claims that he did not have a degree he noted that coming to court for cross examination was a good chance for him to rebut the allegations.
The appellate court has since ordered for fresh elections that are to be held in accordance with the electoral laws and the constitution.
