This archive report was first published on 27 July 2019.
On August 8, 2017, Marakwet East residents elected Kangogo Bowen as their Member of Parliament, defeating former Cabinet Minister Linah Jebii Kilimo by a narrow margin of 913 votes.
However, Bowen's victory was short-lived as a voter, Sammy Kemboi, challenged the results in court. On Tuesday, February 27, 2018, the High Court in Eldoret annulled Bowen's win, citing that the election was not conducted in a free and fair environment.
Speaking after the ruling, Bowen expressed hope that the petition would be determined in his favor, stating, 'I am hopeful that the petition will be determined in my favour because the polls were free and fair.'
With the court's decision, Bowen's seat is now set to be filled through a by-election, sparking speculation that the Jubilee Party may not give him a direct nomination. Pundits believe that the party may be teaching Bowen a lesson for defying their leadership on the structure of house committee leadership.
Followers on social media have expressed doubt as to whether the ruling party will conduct a free and fair nomination where a rebel could triumph.
