Sifuna Pours Cold Water On Chebukati's Threat To Sue Raila

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna on Wednesday, February 1 offered his sentiments on former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairperson Wafula Chebukati's demand to Azimio la Umoja leader, Raila Odinga.

In a statement, Sifuna alleged that city lawyer Steve Ogolla had taken up the case owing to its virality and Raila himself as a brand, meaning a huge paycheck if successful.

He expressed the belief that Ogolla was helping Chebukati utilise his retirement package, warning that Chebukati's threat to sue Raila would not go beyond the demand letter he issued on Tuesday, January 31.

A photo of City lawyer Steve Ogolla. /FILE

"All Steve Ogolla is doing is what lawyers do best. Helping Chebukati spend that hefty retirement package he received from the taxpayer. Save for legal fees, nothing else will come from that legal adventure.

"Lawyers charge fees based on the value of the subject matter. In Steve Ogolla’s case, the subject matter is Raila Odinga. You will struggle to find a more valuable subject matter. Let Steve make that paper," he stated.

Ogolla was trending online for the better part of the day after his demand letter revealed that he gave the former Prime Minster seven days to produce video footage proving that he visited Chebukati's house prior to the announcement of the August 9, 2022, general election results.

"In the circumstances of your allegations, and in the context of our Client's strong rebuttal thereto, our instructions are to demand from you, as of right, which we hereby do, to be furnished with the alleged video footage within seven days from the date hereof," the letter read in part.

Chebukati further threatened to take legal action against him if he fails to produce the said footage within the time period given.

"Kindly take notice that if we do not receive the video footage demanded hereinabove within the Demand Period, we shall be constrained to institute appropriate adverse but lawful proceedings against you.

"In so doing, we shall take such action as necessary to protect our Client's right to access to information by dint of Article 35(1)(b) of the Constitution without further reference to you whatsoever, holding you liable for costs and any other consequences which may arise therefrom," added the letter.

According to Ogolla, Chebukati reacted with shock and consternation at Raila's allegations which he was believed to have known very well to be false. In addition, Raila was accused of using the narrative to tarnish his reputation.

"Further, our Client is aggrieved that you took no caution or responsibility while making the adverse remarks with the consequence that our Client has suffered and continues to suffer serious reputational injury, taking into account his status and position as former Chairman of IEBC.

"In response to your allegations, our Client vehemently denies your allegation that he met you during the election year, let alone the election period, and in particular, at your house, as alleged by yourself," added the letter.

On Sunday, January 29, while addressing a rally at Jacaranda grounds, Raila claimed that Chebukati, Abdi Guliye and Boya Molu paid him a visit, before the announcement of results, and alleged to have evidence to prove that the trio sought his audience and made some requests to him.

However, President William Ruto on Monday, January 30 poked holes at the claims, stating that Raila chose to reveal the claims five months since the elections took place.