Eldama Ravine MP Musa Sirma Ordered To Pay Former MP Moses Lessonet Sh3.2 Million Or Face Arrest
News Updated: 27 July 2026 20:53 EAT
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Eldama Ravine Member of Parliament Musa Sirma has been given 30 days by the Kabarnet High Court to pay former area MP Moses Lessonet Sh3.2 million in costs arising from a long-running election petition, failing which he risks arrest and possible committal to civil jail.
The latest ruling marks another chapter in a legal dispute that has its roots in the 2017 General Election. Sirma challenged Lessonet's election victory through an election petition filed before the High Court, seeking to overturn the parliamentary results.
The election petition was determined in 2018, with the High Court dismissing Sirma's case after finding that the evidence presented did not warrant nullification of Lessonet's election as Eldama Ravine MP.
Following the dismissal of the petition, the court awarded legal costs to Lessonet and the other successful respondents, as provided for under Kenya's election dispute resolution framework.
The costs were subsequently taxed by the court, establishing the amount payable by Sirma. The debt has remained outstanding for several years despite previous court proceedings aimed at enforcing payment.
In its latest ruling, the Kabarnet High Court directed Sirma to settle the outstanding Sh3.2 million within 30 days from the date of the order.
The court further warned that failure to comply within the specified period would expose the legislator to enforcement proceedings, including the issuance of warrants of arrest and possible committal to civil jail.
The matter has been the subject of several execution proceedings, with Lessonet previously seeking various legal avenues to recover the money awarded to him by the court.
Earlier attempts to enforce the judgment reportedly included applications to attach Sirma's assets after the costs remained unpaid.
The prolonged dispute has become one of the notable post-election cost recovery cases stemming from the 2017 parliamentary elections in Baringo County.
Under Kenyan law, parties who successfully defend election petitions are entitled to recover court-awarded costs once they have been taxed, and courts may authorise enforcement measures where a judgment debtor fails to honour the decree.
The latest order underscores the judiciary's position that court judgments and decrees must be complied with regardless of the status of the parties involved.
Unless Sirma settles the Sh3.2 million within the 30-day period set by the court, the enforcement process is expected to proceed in accordance with the High Court's orders.
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FELIX MAKONA
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