By: Rhoda Bogeta
A three-judge bench has ruled that political party hopping undermines Kenya’s multiparty democracy, but found no evidence that Isiolo Governor Abdi Ibrahim Guyo and his deputy James Lowasa defected from Jubilee Party to United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Justices John Chigiti (SC), Lawrence Mugambi, and Jairus Ng’aah delivered a unanimous decision dismissing the petition, citing lack of proof. They said the petitioners failed to present credible evidence showing that the governor and his deputy had shifted allegiance.
The court noted that both Governor Guyo and his deputy denied abandoning the Jubilee Party. In their testimony, they told the judges that they had never defected and continued to serve under the party that sponsored their election.
The case had been filed by Jubilee Party members and supporters, who claimed that in 2023 the two leaders publicly defected to UDA during a political event in Isiolo.
In the judgment, the bench underscored that Kenya’s constitutional order is anchored on multiparty democracy, and elected leaders are required to remain loyal to the parties that sponsored them. The judges said any change in political affiliation must follow the procedures set out in the Political Parties Act.
They added that the High Court has a duty to safeguard the country’s multiparty system and ensure elected officials respect party fidelity as mandated by the Constitution.
Speaking after the ruling, the petitioners’ advocate said the court found no sufficient proof to support the allegations, noting that while dates were mentioned, no specific evidence was provided.
“The governor has gotten away with some irregularity, but moving forward, the people should make good decisions in a manner that protects the Constitution of Kenya,” the lawyer said.
