Court Bombshell: Embu By-Election Results Shaken as Judge Orders Partial Vote Recount Over Irregularities
The High Court of Kenya sitting in Embu has ordered a partial recount of votes in the Mbeere North by-election following the discovery of significant irregularities across multiple polling stations.
By News Desk
In a decisive ruling, Justice Richard Mwongo directed that ballot materials from selected stations be re-examined, citing notable gaps and inconsistencies in election records.
The order comes after a petition filed by Newton Kariuki Ndwiga, who is contesting the outcome declared by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
The by-election had initially been won by Leonard Wamuthende Njeru of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA), but the court’s findings have now cast doubt on the credibility of the results.
Among the key issues flagged by the court were the discovery of a ballot box containing unexplained materials, reports of violence at Kaungu polling station, and suspected alterations to Forms 35A in at least eight polling stations.
A total of fifteen ballot boxes have been earmarked for scrutiny in the recount exercise. The court has directed that a detailed report be filed by April 17, 2026, ahead of final submissions scheduled for April 22, 2026.
The ruling marks a critical turning point in the contested by-election, potentially reshaping the political landscape in Mbeere North and raising fresh concerns over electoral integrity and accountability.
