Mahat Somane: Here are the IEBC numbers… not the fiction created by petitioners
Lawyer Mahat Somane has discredited Supreme Court petitions, describing their calculations as an old litigation approach in numbers for shock and awe.
Mahat, who is representing the IEBC and its chairperson, sifted through the figures and combed through voter turnout and suppression, anomalies stated in various affidavits, and overall results indicated in various forms and the efficiency and processes while using the KIEMS kits.
Voter suppression
Mahat, who was using a PowerPoint presentation, displayed data comparing locations where elections had been postponed with neighboring stations. According to his IEBC’s findings, the postponement had no effect on voter turnout.
“In Rongai where MP elections were postponed, voter turnout was higher than in neighboring areas. The same trend is seen in Kwa Njenga Ward in Nairobi where MCA elections were postponed.” Mahat said.
“Kakamega and Mombasa Counties also had higher turnout compared to neighbouring areas, based on the comparative analysis by IEBC,” he added.
Votes variance
Mahat stated that no evidence has been offered to demonstrate inexplicable differences in votes cast for President and other elective positions.
The prisoners and diaspora, according to Mahat, only vote for the President. In other cases, stray ballots and differences in rejected votes for various electoral seats were to chastise for the discrepancies.
Giving an example, Mahat said: “Variance of Presidential and Woman Representative was 9,419 which can be accounted for.”
According to Mahat, the only difference between presidential and gubernatorial votes in Kenya was 900 votes, not the thousands that Raila Odinga’s running partner Martha Karua stated in her affidavit.
Mahat further stated that locations where elections were disrupted by violence were not included in the final total for various elective positions.
Voter turnout
Mahat explained to the court that voter turnout was calculated individually for each polling station. According to Mahat, after the polling station opens and Kenyans begin voting, the kits would begin transmitting the number of persons who have voted over two hours, depending on the network.
“Reporting is done per KIEMS, per polling station of the reporting KIEMS,” Mahat said.
“We never said total turnout. We said total KIEMS reporting. We also haven’t included the manual count. On 10th August when all the Kiems had reported from polling stations, the turnout was 14,239,862.” he added.
Mahat said that 86,889 voters were identified via the printed manual register. Mahat stated that the 64.6% turnout declared by Chebukati was based on reporting KIEMS kits rather than the gazetted voter register.
Doctored forms and the IEBC portal
Mahat stated that the petitioners had presented doctored paperwork to the court as proof because there had been no complaints from agents at the national tallying center.
Mahat said that IEBC also provided experts to help agents and returning officers verify security features of each form presented at BOMAS of Kenya.
The lawyer also refuted assertions that “hackers” uploaded amended forms to the IEBC portal, claiming that the commission would have received a report detailing who was responsible and the date. He said that there was no indication that more than 11,000 forms were uploaded in 8 minutes because each form contains a millisecond timestamp.
Mahat urged the petitioners lawyers to explain how Raila Odinga’s votes were deducted and added to William Ruto at different polling stations despite their agents going through all of the forms on the IEBC portal and those filed by various returning officers and agreeing on their results at the tallying center.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Creatives & Coins Podcast
A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. This show explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who are successfully navigating the gig and creative economies. From digital artists and content creators to freelance writers and tech entrepreneurs, we spotlight the voices that are shaping the future of work in Kenya.
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Fixing The Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar. Podcast created by: Nation FM
Fixing the Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
Noma
NOMA is a gripping family drama that delves into the complexities of sibling rivalry, parental expectations, and the struggle for identity within a powerful business family In the heart of Nairobi, the Mwamba family stands as a beacon of success, with a thriving business empire built by the patriarch, MZEE AMAON MWAMBA. However, beneath the surface, the family is fractured by jealousy, unspoken desires, and the weight of expectations.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.