- The High Court has ordered a partial recount of votes in the Mbeere North by-election following allegations of irregularities and disruptions
- Ballot Box No. 135 and 15 KIEMS boxes were marked for scrutiny, along with voter registers and records of Form 35A
- A full recount was ordered in polling stations affected by fire, violence, and overcrowding, while eight other stations faced close scrutiny.
The High Court has intervened to mediate the disputed Mbeere North by-election.
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On Friday, March 27, Judge Richard Mwongo ordered a partial recount of votes and electoral materials in the 2025 by-election, where Leonard Wamuthende of the Democratic Union (UDA) was previously declared the winner.
Newton Kariuki Ndwiga of the Democratic Party filed a case in court against the victory of Wamuthende.
The ruling targets special polling stations and erroneously marked ballot boxes, while dismissing broader allegations of voter corruption and manipulation.
In his decision, Judge Mwong highlighted the evidence presented by all political parties and the District Returning Officer (DRO), stressing the need for a small recount to protect the integrity of the results.
The court mentioned Ballot Box No. 135, which is said to contain materials that were submitted to the counting station without proper documentation or information.
These items, the judge noted, should have remained in their original polling station boxes.
The recount will also examine the 15 boxes containing KIEMS equipment mentioned in the DRO report, ensuring all equipment used in the affected polling stations is examined.
In addition, voter registers and records of KIEMS facilities at selected polling stations, including Siakago Community Hall, Mwondu Primary School, and Gikuyari Primary School, will be reviewed for accuracy.
A full recount of votes is required in Gitiburi 1 and 2, where the fire disrupted the security chain, and in the Kaungu polling station, which was temporarily closed for 30 minutes due to violence and overcrowding.
Additionally, election forms (Form 35A) from eight polling stations showing suspected changes will be scrutinized. The eight are Rwagori, Karambari, Ibutuka, Kamari, Kanyuambora, Kamauwa, Kogari, and St. Mary’s Kanganga.
The November 27, 2025 by-elections had been marred by violence and alleged irregularities, prompting scrutiny from political analysts and legal authorities.
What did Muturi say about the court’s decision?
Responding to the decision, the former Attorney General Justin Muturi he welcomed the court’s decision while criticizing the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for the way it handled the election process.
Muturi called it a great victory for truth, transparency, and the wishes of the people.
“This decision puts the IEBC on alert, accountability is not optional. Transparency must not be discussed, ensuring that every step taken in the electoral process can be monitored, verified and trusted,” Muturi said.
“A truly free and fair election is one where the process inspires self-confidence and the results show, without a doubt, the will of the people for freedom. We welcome this courageous step. The truth is now in court, and it must win,” he added.
Itumbi responds to the Court’s decision regarding the By-election in Mbeere North
The Head of the President’s Special Projects and Creative Economy Coordination Dennis Itumni also responded to the decision, opposing the opposition.
According to Itumbi, the plaintiff had requested the opening of all the ballot boxes, which the court refused, allowing the examination of only 15 people.
He expressed confidence that the investigation will separate truth from lies, and expose what he called lies from the opposition group.
Wamuthende was sworn in as Mbeere North Member of Parliament on December 2, 2025 in a ceremony presided over by Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula. Wamuthende succeeded Geoffrey Ruku, who had been appointed to the Cabinet.
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