The High Court in Embu has mandated a complete examination and vote recount for the contested Mbeere North Constituency By-Election that took place on November 17, 2025.
In the verdict announced today, Friday, March 27, 2026, Justice Richard Mwongo instructed the Deputy Registrar to open ballot boxes and conduct an extensive review of all election materials across several polling locations. The polling stations affected are Gitiburi 1 & 2, Kaungu, Siakago Social Hall, Mwondu Primary School, and Gikuyari Primary School.
The judge referenced electoral violence, compromised handling of election materials, and anomalies in the voter roll as justification for the directive.
The court has set April 17, 2026 as the deadline for the Deputy Registrar to submit a detailed report on the findings from the examination and recount.
Former Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi has endorsed the ruling, stating, “This represents a significant triumph for truth, transparency, and popular will. The Judiciary has created an opportunity for comprehensive evaluation of the electoral process, including access to KIEMS data, guaranteeing that nothing remains concealed and nothing is accepted without verification.”
The High Court has issued a strong endorsement of electoral justice in Newton Kariuki Ndwiga v IEBC & Others (Election Petition No. E002 of 2025), with Justice R. Mwongo mandating vote examination and recount in the Mbeere North by-election.
This constitutes an important win for…
The by-election was secured by Leo Wa Muthenge.