High Court Orders Recount in Mbeere North By-Election Over Irregularities

The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has suffered a major blow after the High Court ordered a partial recount of votes in the disputed Mbeere North by-election.

In a ruling delivered on Friday, March 27, Justice Richard Mwongo directed that some ballot boxes and election materials be reviewed. Leonard Wamuthende had earlier won the election.

The judge said the recount will only take place in selected polling stations where issues were reported. He, however, dismissed claims of voter bribery and large-scale tampering, saying there was not enough evidence.

According to the court, findings from both sides and a report by the District Returning Officer showed that some concerns needed further checking. Because of this, the judge ordered a limited recount and inspection of election materials.

One of the key concerns was a ballot box labelled “Ballot Box No. 135.” The court noted that it contained important election materials that were taken to the tallying centre without a clear explanation or proper records.

Justice Mwongo said such materials should have remained in their respective polling stations, raising questions that now need to be investigated.

The court also ordered the opening of 15 boxes containing KIEMS kits. These kits will help verify results from polling stations where the recount is underway.

In addition, voter registers and KIEMS logs from several polling stations will be checked. These include Siakago Social Hall, Mwondu Primary School, and Gikuyari Primary School.

A full recount will be conducted in Gitiburi 1 and 2 polling stations, where a fire incident affected the handling of election materials. Another recount will take place at Kaungu polling station, where violence and overcrowding forced voting to stop briefly.

The court further directed that Form 35A documents from eight polling stations be reviewed due to reported alterations. The affected stations include Rwagori, Karimari, Kanyuambora, Karambari, Kamauwa, Ibutuka, Kogari, and St Mary’s Kanganga primary schools.

The Mbeere North by-election, held on November 27, 2025, was marked by violence and claims of irregularities, attracting attention from leaders and election observers.

Following the ruling, Democratic Party leader Justin Muturi welcomed the decision and criticized the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).

He said the court’s decision is a win for transparency and accountability, adding that it will allow a deeper review of the election process, including access to KIEMS data.