Pader court orders recount of Aruu County Parliamentary votes
Martin Kirya, the Pader Chief Magistrate, ruled that the grounds cited by the applicant are substantial enough for a mandatory recount to be conducted at 8:00 on Friday morning.
The court heard that more than 100 votes were declared invalid in the two-horse race. (File photo)
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Votes cast in Aruu County Parliamentary election are set to be recounted on Friday morning following a court verdict ordered by the Chief Magistrate Court on Thursday (January 22) afternoon.
Martin Kirya, the Pader Chief Magistrate, ruled that the grounds cited by the applicant are substantial enough for a mandatory recount to be conducted at 8:00 on Friday morning.
The court heard that more than 100 votes were declared invalid in the two-horse race.
The ruling threw supporters of the former Aruu County Member of Parliament Odonga Otto into a frenzy of jubilation at the Court premises in Pader town.
Police maintained a heavy security presence around the court throughout the hearing of the application filed on January 20, 2026.
Shortly after the ruling, Odonga Otto blamed his loss on his recent role pushing for the eviction of Balaalo herdsmen from the district and the region.
Odonga Otto, who is seeking a comeback in Parliament, contested the seat as an Independent candidate. He sought the recount after he lost the seat by a difference of 26 votes to incumbent Member of Parliament Christopher Komakech, a son of former Inspector General of Police, Gen. Paul Lokech.
Section 54 of the Parliamentary Elections Act 2005 (as amended) provides for a mandatory vote recount when two or more candidates are separated by less than 50 votes.
In the application, Odonga Otto, through his lawyers, sued the Independent Electoral Commission, the Pader district Returning Officer, Dr Gimie Eric, Christopher Komakech, the Member of Parliament elect.