The High Court in Embu has upheld the election of Leonard Wa Muthende Njeru as the Member of Parliament for Mbeere North, dismissing a petition challenging his victory in the 2025 by-election.
In a ruling delivered on Thursday, May 21, Justice Richard Mwongo affirmed that the UDA politician was validly elected and directed that the court’s decision be communicated to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula.
The judge stated that after reviewing the election petition, the court found no sufficient grounds to overturn the outcome of the poll, allowing Wa Muthende to retain his parliamentary seat.
Why Leonard Wa Muthende’s election was challenged
The petition had been filed by Newton Kariuki Ndwiga, who contested the outcome of the November 27, 2025, Mbeere North by-election. Wa Muthende had won the race with a slim margin of 494 votes.
Ndwiga alleged that the election was marred by violence, intimidation of voters, and irregularities at several polling stations. The petition further claimed that the tallying process lacked transparency and that some statutory election forms were flawed.
Additional accusations included voter bribery and undue influence during the exercise.
One of the major issues raised before the court concerned the MP’s change of name. The petitioners argued that Leonard Muriuki Njeru officially changed his name to Leo Wa Muthende Njeru through a deed poll dated September 3, 2024.
According to the petition, the change allegedly created inconsistencies in IEBC records, including details appearing on KIEMS kits, ballot papers and nomination documents.
However, the court ultimately dismissed the petition and confirmed Wa Muthende as the duly elected MP. Following the judgement, Wa Muthende’s lawyer told the court they intended to appeal parts of the ruling, particularly on issues touching on alleged alterations to the voters’ register.
The lawyer also requested certified copies of the proceedings, judgement and decree to facilitate the planned appeal process.