Kenya: Witness in Waibara Poll Case Faulted

Richard Munguti

27 June 2011

Nairobi — A university registrar on Monday said a witness in an election petition against Gatundu North MP Clement Waibara did not tell the truth.

Kenya Polytechnic University College registrar Hesbon Ochieng Nyagowa said Mr Martin Ndung’u, who alleged that he sat a proficiency test for Mr Waibara, did not attain a diploma certificate in electrical engineering.

“The witness did not tell the truth about his qualifications. He did not complete a diploma course. The certificate he produced in court belongs to another student, Mr Francis Otieno Dwero,” Mr Nyagowa told Justice Fred Ochieng.

The registrar was answering questions from Interim Independent Electoral Commission official Ben Mukuria.

“Records show Mr Kahura did not graduate with a diploma certificate in electrical engineering. All he told this court are untruths,” he said.

A Kenya National Examinations Council official, Mr Linus Shikami, said a Kenya Certificate of Primary Education produced in court by former assistant minister Patrick Muiruri belonged to Mr Waibara.

“The copy belongs to Mr Waibara. He attended Gikindu Primary School in Kiambu District and completed KCPE in 1985.

“The copy is (of) a genuine certificate and it tallies with our records. It is not a fake or forgery as stated last week by the principal secretary in charge of archives, Mr Patrick Miano. He relied on records extracted from a school in Murang’a District,” Mr Shikami said.

Mr Shikami was being cross-examined by lawyer Muthomi Thiankolu for a voter who has challenged Mr Waibara’s election.

The petitioner, Mr Bernard Chege Mburu, is asking the court to anull the results, alleging there was violence and voter bribery.

He also alleges the MP does not have the educational qualifications to participate in parliamentary proceedings.

The hearing continues.

AllAfrica – All the Time