The decision, made in a case pitting petitioner Newton Kariuki against Mbeere North MP Leonard Wamuthende, is aimed at safeguarding the integrity of evidence as the legal challenge proceeds.
In its ruling, the court directed that the by-election materials be stored in a single room under a strict “six-key system,” where no single party can access the materials alone.
Each of the six parties involved in the case will hold one key, meaning the room can only be opened when all or an agreed majority are present.
The arrangement is intended to eliminate suspicion, prevent tampering, and promote transparency in a dispute that has attracted intense political and public interest.
The case arises from allegations surrounding the conduct of the Mbeere North by-election, with Kariuki challenging the validity of the outcome that saw Wamuthende declared the winner.
While the court has not yet ruled on the substance of the petition, the handling of election materials has been a critical preliminary issue, as both sides consider them central to proving or defending the results.
Observers in court noted raised eyebrows when both Kariuki and Wamuthende appeared relaxed and even smiling as the judge delivered the ruling.
The moment was interpreted by some as a sign of mutual confidence in the judicial process, while others viewed it as a strategic calm ahead of what is expected to be a rigorous legal battle.
The ruling also places responsibility on all parties to cooperate, a requirement that could test relations between rival political camps. Any breach of the custody arrangement would likely attract severe legal consequences and could undermine the credibility of the entire process.
For residents of Mbeere North, the court’s decision offers reassurance that the dispute will be handled with care and transparency. Election petitions often fuel tension on the ground, and clear judicial safeguards can help calm anxieties among voters.
0 Comments