Embu High Court Issues Orders Ahead of Mbeere North Petition

The Embu High Court has issued fresh orders to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission ahead of the Mbeere North petition hearing.
The court aims to protect election materials and guarantee transparency in the ongoing legal process.

Court Orders Secure Custody of Election Materials

Justice Richard Mwongo issued the orders on Thursday, January 15, during a pre-trial conference.
He directed that all materials used in the by-election be placed under court custody.
Consequently, the court will store the materials in a secured room within Embu Law Courts.

Six Parties to Control Access Using Padlocks

Justice Mwongo ordered the room to have six padlocks, with each party holding a key.
The court will purchase both the padlocks and keys.
Accordingly, no party will access the materials without all parties present.
The judge said this approach ensures fairness and boosts public confidence in the process.

Judge Warns Against Delays and Absenteeism

The court stressed that the room will remain under tight security at all times.
However, the judge warned against delays caused by absent parties.
If a party delays access, the court will break the padlock.
As a result, the affected party will permanently lose access rights.

Parties Welcome Transparency Measures

All parties welcomed the court’s directions, citing fairness and accountability.
They agreed that the orders protect crucial materials needed to determine the case.
Meanwhile, the court emphasized the need to conclude the case within six months.
The law requires election petitions to follow strict timelines.

Petition Challenges Leonard Wamuthende’s Election

Two voters filed the petition challenging Leonard Wamuthende’s election as Mbeere North MP.
They seek nullification of the results and a fresh election.
The petitioners allege electoral irregularities and voter registration issues.
They also claim Wamuthende used mismatched names across official documents.
The names cited include Leonard Wamuthende Njeru and Leonard Muriuki Njeru.
The court will begin hearings on March 9, 2026.
Justice Mwongo plans to deliver judgment by May 21, 2026, ahead of the June deadline.