This archive report was first published on 25 August 2021.
Malindi MP Aisha Jumwa is facing a Sh22.6 million bill for election petition costs, according to an application filed in the Malindi High Court on August 4, 2021.
The application, filed by Aoko Otieno & Associates, outlines the costs incurred during the election petition process.
After a case is concluded, a lawyer typically prepares an advocate/client bill of costs to detail charges for services offered, usually when a client is reluctant to pay the agreed legal fees.
The application is presented to a taxing officer, who assesses the costs before writing a ruling on what the lawyer is entitled to be paid.
On December 7, 2017, the High Court struck out a petition by Ernest Hinzano challenging Ms Jumwa's victory, saying it was filed too late.
Justice Patrick Otieno ruled that Mr Hinzano did not follow the right procedure under the law, swapping an unserved original petition with one that was before the court.
"The petition I am called upon to consider was improperly brought before court and is to that extent invalid, null and void," Justice Otieno said.
