Prominent lawyer and political commentator Ndegwa Njiru has stirred public discussion after questioning whether Mbeere North by-election winner, Leo Wamuthende, is a registered voter.
His bold statement, “Is Wamuthende even a registered voter? This question must be answered. We meet in court,” has sparked a new wave of political and legal debate in the constituency and across the country.
Njiru, known for his sharp legal mind and unapologetic stance on electoral integrity, argues that the legitimacy of any elected leader begins with compliance to basic constitutional requirements.
According to him, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) must confirm Wamuthende’s voter registration status to uphold transparency and protect public confidence in democratic processes.
Speaking to journalists, Njiru insisted that raising this question is not a personal attack but a matter of public interest. He noted that every aspirant must meet the legal threshold before being cleared to participate in elections.
Failure to do so, he argued, undermines the credibility of the electoral system and disenfranchises voters who expect fairness from both candidates and institutions.
The lawyer further announced plans to file a petition in court, seeking official verification and accountability from the IEBC.
His remarks have since drawn mixed reactions from political observers, with some viewing the move as a necessary legal check, while others interpret it as an extension of post-election rivalry.
Wamuthende’s supporters have dismissed the claims as baseless and politically motivated. They maintain that the candidate followed all legal procedures before being declared the winner.
As the issue heads to court, residents of Mbeere North and Kenyans at large await clarity.
The case is expected to test not only Wamuthende’s eligibility but also the robustness of Kenya’s electoral vetting mechanisms.
