The court has dismissed an application seeking a vote recount in the election petition involving Hon. Sarah Achieng Opendi and Hon. Akoth Angela, the Woman Member of Parliament–elect for Tororo District.
In its ruling, the court held that the recount could not proceed after it was established that seals on two ballot boxes had been broken, a development that, according to the court, compromised the integrity of the recount process and rendered it untenable.
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Hon. Sarah Opendi Breaks Silence Following Court Ruling
Speaking shortly after the decision, Hon. Sarah Achieng Opendi said the ruling does not mark the end of her legal challenge. She maintained that she remains determined to pursue justice through other available legal avenues.
“I am not done. The court has ruled that a recount will not happen, but this does not mean the end of the matter,” Opendi said.
She further alleged interference in the electoral process by the NRM Electoral Commission Chairperson, Tanga Odoi, particularly in parts of Kisoko, Petta, and Nagongera. Opendi claimed that ballot papers were illegally ticked in the presence of security personnel, alleging that close to 10,000 votes were fraudulently added.
“I want my opponent to celebrate, but they should know that I am not done yet,” she added.
Akoth Angela Responds
Tororo Woman Mp elect Hon. Akoth Angela welcomed the court’s decision, describing it as a confirmation of the will of the people of Tororo District.
“Justice will always prevail. The people of Tororo voted for Akoth Angela. Whether she goes to the High Court or anywhere else, I will still defeat her,” Akoth said.
What Next?
The court’s ruling leaves the declared election results intact for now. However, with Opendi signaling her intention to pursue further legal action, the Tororo Woman MP race may continue to play out in the courts in the coming weeks.
