John Mwangi
Nairobi.
The United Opposition coalition has announced plans to challenge the outcomes of the Mbeere North and Malava parliamentary by-elections, citing extensive irregularities and alleged state-sponsored interference in favour of the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Wiper Democratic Movement leader Kalonzo Musyoka confirmed the decision on Sunday during a church service at AIC Mukuni in Machakos County.
“William Ruto knows that UDA did not win in Mbeere and UDA did not win in Malava,” Musyoka said, pledging to file petitions supported by what he termed “credible evidence of tampering and state-managed manipulation.”
The two by-elections, held on Thursday, November 27 alongside 22 others nationwide, delivered narrow and contested victories for UDA. In Mbeere North (Embu County), UDA’s Leonard Muthende (popularly known as Leo Wamuthende) was declared winner with 15,802 votes against Democratic Party candidate Newton Karish’s 15,308 — a razor-thin margin of 494 votes. In Malava (Kakamega County), UDA’s David Ndakwa was declared the winner.
Opposition leaders accuse the government of facilitating widespread breaches throughout the campaign and polling period. They cited the involvement of Cabinet Secretaries and senior state officials in UDA campaigns, incidents of voter intimidation by police and hired gangs, as well as allegations of bribery, disruptions, and violence at several polling centres.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya confirmed that the coalition is consulting Malava losing candidate Seth Panyako to co-file a petition, despite Panyako’s initial hesitation to challenge the results.
In Mbeere North, Karish’s lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, has questioned whether Leonard Muthende used an unregistered name (“Leonard Muriuki”) during voter registration, vowing to pursue the matter in court.
Former nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba and former Attorney General Justin Muturi have publicly urged Karish to seek judicial redress, saying the grounds for nullification are strong.
The UDA has dismissed the allegations as excuses from disgruntled rivals. Ndia MP George Kariuki termed the claims “sour grapes” and expressed confidence that the courts will validate the results.
The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has not yet commented on the planned petitions. With less than two years before the 2027 general election, the outcome of these challenges could significantly influence Kenya’s electoral landscape and the alignment of political forces.