Francis Wambugu Irungu The High Court in Embu has upheld the election of Leonard WaMuthende Njeru as the Member of Parliament for Mbeere North, putting to rest a legal battle that followed the closely contested November 2025 by-election.
Justice Richard Mwongo delivered the ruling on Thursday, May 21, declaring the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) candidate duly elected and dismissing the petition that had sought to nullify his victory.
In his ruling, Justice Mwongo certified the court’s findings to the National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula as required by law, confirming that Wamuthende would retain his seat.
“Having concluded the hearing of the election petition, I certify that the petition is dismissed and the fourth respondent remains the duly elected Member of Parliament of Mbeere North Constituency. This information is to be transmitted to the Speaker of the National Assembly,” Justice Mwongo stated.
The petition had been filed by Democratic Party candidate Newton Kariuki, popularly known as Karish, who lost to Wamuthende by a razor-thin margin of 494 votes. Kariuki had alleged that the by-election was marred by irregularities, violence, and voter intimidation at several polling stations.
Thursday’s ruling effectively ends the legal dispute, firmly cementing Wamuthende’s place in the National Assembly.
