Blow to UDA as High Court Orders Partial Recount in Mbeere North By-Election

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

In a ruling delivered on Friday, March 27, Justice Richard Mwongo directed that ballots and election materials from selected polling stations be scrutinised following evidence of irregularities. The by-election had initially been won by Leonard Wamuthende.

The court limited the recount to specific areas where concerns were raised, dismissing broader claims of voter bribery and widespread tampering due to insufficient evidence.

Central to the ruling was “Ballot Box No. 135,” which the court flagged for containing unexplained “strategic materials” delivered to the tallying centre without proper documentation. Justice Mwongo ruled that the contents must be examined, noting they should have been secured within respective polling station ballot boxes.

The court also ordered the opening of 15 ballot boxes containing KIEMS kits, as referenced in the District Returning Officer’s report, to verify their use across affected polling stations.

Scrutiny will further extend to voter registers and KIEMS logs in key stations, including Siakago Social Hall, Mwondu Primary School, and Gikuyari Primary School.

A full recount has been ordered in Gitiburi 1 and 2 polling stations, where a fire reportedly disrupted the chain of custody, and at Kaungu polling station, where violence and overcrowding forced a temporary suspension of voting.

Additionally, the court directed examination of Form 35A documents from eight polling stations, including Rwagori, Karimari, Kanyuambora, Karambari, Kamauwa, Ibutuka, Kogari, and St Mary’s Kanganga primary schools, where alterations were reported.

The November 27, 2025, by-election was marked by violence and claims of irregularities, drawing legal challenges and scrutiny.

The ruling now shifts focus back to the integrity of the electoral process overseen by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), as the recount is expected to determine whether the initial outcome will stand or face further legal consequences.