Mombasa Governor Hassan Joho shocked a Mombasa High Court on Wednesday when he changed tune and praised the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for a job well done in the gubernatorial election in the county.

The ODM deputy party leader told Justice Lydia Achode that he did not in any way influence the outcome on the gubernatorial election, which the former Wiper party candidate Hassan Omar petitioned, citing massive irregularities.

“I am the duly elected Governor of Mombasa County. The election was free and fair. IEBC did a commendable job, especially in respect to the election of the seat of the governor in Mombasa County,” Mr Joho remarked.

Mr Joho, who has been critical of the conduct of the IEBC in the recent past over the conduct of the botched presidential elections on August 8, maintained that his rival Mr Omar was out to malign his name, in a conspiracy which he blamed on the ruling party.

He was being cross-examined by Mr Omar’s lawyer Yusuf Aboubakar and re-examination by his lawyer Mohammed Balala and IEBC’s advocate, Senior Counsel Paul Nyamodi in Mombasa High Court.

In addition, Mr Joho denied earlier claims by Mr Omar’s that Mombasa County Returning Officer Nancy Wanjiku failed to comply with the elections rules, thanks to a deal with Joho. Mr Omar had argued that the two conspired to declare Joho illegally.

Former Senator Omar Hassan petitioned the re-election of Hassan Joho citing massive irregularities in the August 8 elections, demanding that the poll be nullified.

Mr Omar also want the IEBC and Ms Kariuki’s declaration of Mr Joho as validly elected governor declared invalid, null and void, as well as scrutiny and recount of votes done and a fresh gubernatorial election held. The hearing continues.