The High Court in Embu has ordered a partial recount and scrutiny of ballots in the Mbeere North by-election following a petition challenging the results.
In a ruling delivered on March 27, 2026, Justice Richard Mwongo directed that the exercise be conducted in selected polling stations where irregularities were reported.
The court cited incidents of violence during the voting process, noting that disruptions in some centres raised concerns about the credibility of the results.
It also pointed to a breakdown in the chain of custody of election materials, with questions raised over the handling and security of ballot boxes.
Further concerns were raised over the voter register, including allegations of irregular entries and possible participation of unregistered voters.
The court ordered that ballot boxes, KIEMS kits, and polling station records be opened and examined under supervision.
The scrutiny exercise will be overseen by the Deputy Registrar, who is expected to compile and submit a report to the court.
However, the judge declined to order a full recount across all polling stations, limiting the exercise to areas where evidence of anomalies was presented.
The petition was filed by Newton Kariuki Ndwiga, who is contesting the election of Leonard Wamuthende, with the outcome of the scrutiny expected to inform the final determination of the case.
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FELIX MAKONA
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