Lawyer Biko Ashioya, who is representing petitioners in a case challenging the validity of Busia ODM grassroots elections/HANDOUTChaos broke out Tuesday during a tribunal hearing convened to address a petition challenging the outcome of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) grassroots elections in Busia County, held last month.
The heated session, which took place in Nairobi, was disrupted when a group of agitated youths stormed the venue, confronting rival factions in the disputed race for the ODM Busia County chairmanship.
The contest has pitted Busia Governor Paul Otuoma against Matayos MP Geoffrey Odanga.
“There will be no escape route this time. The ODM Disputes Tribunal must not be used to rubber-stamp a flawed process,” shouted one of the protestors, moments before the hearing was adjourned due to mounting tension.
The tribunal failed to reach a consensus, as lawyers representing the petitioners, led by lawyer Biko Ashioya, raised concerns about the tribunal's composition and its ability to make binding decisions.
“There are only two members on the tribunal, so it’s unclear how decisions will be made. However, we are confident that our submissions have shed light on the irregularities in the Busia delegates elections, and we trust that justice will prevail for the people of Busia,” Ashioya said.
Otuoma, who had arrived at the venue for the proceedings,
was forced to leave amid the commotion.
The ODM Disputes Tribunal later announced that a new date would be set for the hearing.
Otuoma has claimed victory in the August 29 polls and has urged the party’s National Elections Coordinating Committee (NECC) to declare him the duly elected county chair.
His supporters argue that the vote reflected the will of the people and should be upheld.
Delegate Mose Baba from Teso South called for the nullification of the results, citing irregularities and violence that disrupted the process.
Busia was among six counties where ODM had earlier postponed elections due to logistical concerns, a move that further delayed the grassroots polls and heightened political tensions on the ground.
