By Henry Okello
TORORO
The long-running electoral petition battle between Richard Othieno Okoth and West Budama North MP Ochai Max has taken a fresh twist, with demands that Othieno pays over Shs 280 million in court costs if the High Court in Tororo upholds a taxation application filed by Ochai’s lawyers.
Othieno, who challenged the 2021 parliamentary election citing irregularities and violence, saw his petition dismissed by Justice Cornelius Kakoza in Mbale with costs.
His subsequent appeal to the Constitutional Court was also thrown out, paving the way for Ochai’s legal team to pursue recovery of expenses incurred during the proceedings.
In addition, the Electoral Commission has separately filed a taxation application seeking Shs 15 million in costs.
The matter came before Tororo High Court Assistant Registrar Hellen Edimu, but proceedings were adjourned after Othieno’s lawyer, Enock Tumwesigye, raised three objections.
He argued that the bill was filed in a non-existent petition, violated principles of natural justice, and related to proceedings nullified by the Court of Appeal.
The registrar set January 19, 2026 for hearing, with a ruling expected on March 5, 2026.
Speaking after adjournment, MP Ochai Max said he had forgiven Othieno for the petition that “robbed him of valuable time to serve his constituents,” but emphasized that his lawyers were pressing for reimbursement of the money spent in court battles.
Othieno, who attended the session, remained defiant, telling reporters that he was “not shaken” by the matter.
