The election of Speaker of the County Assembly of Embu went on despite a court order issued Tuesday barring immediate former Speaker Josiah Thiriku from contesting pending hearing and determination of a petition challenging his candidature.
High court Judge Lucy Njuguna had issued temporary injunction stopping clearance of Thiriku to contest following a petition filed by James Gitonga Mutabi who argued that he violated section 43(5) of the Elections Act requiring all public servants to resign six months before elections.
The court subsequently directed Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), and Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) named as first and second respondents respectively not to clear Thriku from contesting.
A court server was forced to pin a copy of the orders at the County Assembly clerk’s office door and left another at the reception after it became apparent there was no body willing to receive the orders.
But despite the injunction Thiriku was re-elected as speaker after garnering 26 votes against three that his sole competitor Daniel Kamunda got.
The election was conducted after swearing in of 33 Members of the County Assembly.
Speaking after the session, Thiriku said he had not received any court order, saying that if indeed there was one, he would have abided by it.
“I have confirmed with the clerk, legal director and everybody here and no one has been served or seen the court order against me,” he said, adding that he is ready to comply if and when he will be served.
At the same time, the speaker directed the two main coalitions, Kenya Kwanza and Azimio to submit the names of their proposed leaders of majority and minority respectively to.
He also said, the assembly will convene the first meeting Thursday at 2 pm to commence the business of the house even as he looks forward to having a good relationship with the executive in order to enhance service delivery.