The high court has dismissed a petition challenging the election of Leonard Wamuthende as the Member of Parliament for Mbeere North Constituency.
In its ruling the court held that despite several malpractices being recorded during the by-election they did not meet the threshold needed to nullify the election of Wamuthende.
The court found that rules pertaining to assisting voters who are unable to vote on their own were contravened however it said it was difficult to determine which candidate benefitted from the irregularities.
The court however dismissed claims of widespread voter bribery saying no concrete evidence was provided to support the same.
Wamuthende has welcomed the high court decision saying it is a welcome reprieve.
“I would like to thank my legal team and the residents of Mbeere for standing with me through the period of the case.” He said outside the Embu Law Courts.
Speaking after the ruling Wamuthende has advised his opponent Newton Karish to accept the decision saying prolonged court battles will affect service delivery to resident of Mbeere North.
“2027 is not far, let him prepare and we meet at the ballot” Wamuthende has said in reaction to the possibility of the petitioners appealing the judgement.
The parliamentarian has reiterated his commitment to working for residents of Mbeere North.
