Supreme Court Assigns Embu Judge to hear Mbeere North By-Election Petition

Chief Justice Martha Koome has formally appointed Embu High Court Judge Richard Mwongo to hear a petition seeking to overturn the recent Mbeere North parliamentary by-election.

The petition has been filed by two registered voters from the constituency, who are challenging the validity of the results on grounds of alleged identity irregularities involving the declared winner, Leonard Wa Muthende Njeru.

According to the petitioners, Wa Muthende used different versions of his name at various stages of the electoral process — during nomination, on the voter register, and on official election materials — raising questions about compliance with electoral laws and candidate identification requirements.

The case names Wa Muthende, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), and the Mbeere North constituency returning officer as respondents.

With Justice Mwongo’s appointment, the matter now proceeds to a full hearing at the Embu High Court, where disputes over identity records, nomination documents, and electoral procedures will be openly contested. The outcome could have significant implications for the validity of the by-election and the enforcement of electoral documentation standards.