Webuye EAst MP Alfred Sambu in trouble over party hopping

Webuye,Kenya: Webuye East MP Alfred Sambu belonged to two political parties at the time of his election, contrary to the law, a petitioner challenging his election has told the Bungoma High Court.


A debate ensued in the election court between the respondent and petitioner’s lawyers over the eligibility of the lawmaker’s candidature.



The petitioner, Mr Moses Lukoye, a human rights activist, argued Mr Sambu belonged to United Democratic Forum and Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party where he was still the vice-chairman.


The MP, during cross examination by the petitioner’s lawyer, Prof Nixon Sifuna, was accused of failing to follow due procedure of resignation as a Member of Parliament. Sifuna said the MP was still an ODM member as at March 4.


But Sambu told the court he wrote a letter to registrar of political parties on January 4, tendering his resignation from ODM. The MP’s lawyer Onsando Onsando argued  the court did not have the jurisdiction to handle the matter as it had been overtaken by events.