Mbeere North MP’s Election Upheld

The High Court in Embu has upheld Leonard Wa Muthende Njeru’s election as Member of Parliament for Mbeere North in a ruling delivered on Thursday, May 21. Justice Richard Mwongo declared the UDA candidate duly elected, stating that the ruling would be transmitted to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula. ‘Certificate of the court as to the validity of the election under Section 86 of the Elections Act, having concluded the hearing of the election petition, I certify that the petition is dismissed and the fourth respondent remains the duly elected Member of Parliament of Mbeere North Constituency. This information is to be transmitted to the Speaker of the National Assembly,’ the justice stated. The petition, filed by Newton Kariuki Ndwiga, contested the results of the November 27, 2025, Mbeere North by-election, where Wa Muthende won by a narrow margin of 494 votes. Kariuki alleged in his petition that the election was marred by chaos, voter intimidation, and irregularities at polling stations. The petition also claimed defective vote and statutory forms, along with instances of bribery and undue influence on voters. A significant issue raised in the petition was that the MP had changed his name from Leonard Muriuki Njeru to Leo Wa Muthende Njeru through a deed poll on September 3, 2024. The petitioners argued that the new name did not match records maintained by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), causing inconsistencies on KIEMS kits, ballot papers, and nomination documents. Immediately after the ruling, Kariuki’s lawyer informed the court of their intention to appeal, suggesting it might be the only chance for certain issues, including alleged alterations to the voters’ register, to be addressed by the Court of Appeal. ‘However, we would like to appeal regarding some of the issues the court has dealt with. Therefore, we are applying for expeditious provision of typed proceedings, the court’s judgment, and the decree ruling therefrom,’ lawyer Ndegwa Njiru said. Justice Mwongo confirmed the required documents would be available and recommended that the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) take a more active role in investigating and resolving electoral disputes. Additionally, the petitioners’ lawyers requested 45 days to review the judgment and make necessary applications, including depositing the Ksh500,000 security for costs, which was not submitted within the required 10 days after filing, as well as the responding party’s costs not exceeding Ksh800,000, subject to taxation, as directed by the court. Addressing the press after the ruling, Wa Muthende said, ‘I want to thank God for this ruling and I am very happy because this judge seems to have done extensive research on this case, even offering advice to IEBC for the 2027 General Elections. Today I will sleep like a newborn baby.’ The ruling signifies a new phase in the case that has attracted national attention before the upcoming elections amid concerns about potential voter manipulation.