BY ANGELA R. KIURA
Leonard Muthende has welcomed a High Court ruling that struck out one of two petitions challenging his election as Mbeere North Member of Parliament, terming the decision a reaffirmation of the rule of law.
The decision was delivered Thursday by Justice Richard Mwongo at the Embu High Court, which dismissed the petition after the petitioners failed to deposit the mandatory Sh500,000 security for costs required in election disputes.
The court also ordered them to pay Sh800,000 in legal costs to the MP and his lawyers.
The case had been filed by two voters, Julieta Karigi Kithumbu and Patrick Gitonga Gichoni, who argued that the name under which Muthende was declared winner did not match the name appearing in the official voters’ register.
The matter, however, did not proceed to full hearing due to non-compliance with the statutory deposit requirement.
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Speaking to journalists in Mbeere North, the MP praised his legal team led by Adrian Kamotho for what he described as professional and effective representation.
He emphasized that court orders on costs should be honored and thanked constituents for their continued support and prayers, saying he remains focused on delivering development projects.
Lawyer Kariuki Njiiri, who represented the petitioners, expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling, saying the high financial threshold for election petitions limits access to justice for ordinary citizens.
He called on the National Assembly of Kenya to review petition fees to make the process more affordable.
Muthende’s lawyers maintained that the outcome confirms he was validly and rightfully elected by the people of the constituency.
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