By BRIAN MUSYOKA
Mbeere North Member of Parliament Leonard Wa Muthende has arrived at the Embu High Court this morning as the pre-trial of the petition challenging his election victory gets underway.
The court premises are already busy with activity as lawyers, journalists, supporters and members of the public gather to witness the opening phase of the high-profile case.
The matter is being presided over by Embu High Court Judge Richard Mwongo, who is set to steer the proceedings in what is shaping up to be a fierce legal contest.
Both the petitioners and the defence are fielding top lawyers, signalling that neither side is taking chances in a case that could have major political consequences for Mbeere North.
The petition is filed by two petitioners together with Newton Kariuki Ndwiga, who also contested the Mbeere North parliamentary seat in the last general election.They are challenging the validity of Muthende’s win, arguing that the electoral process leading to his victory should be examined by the court.
Muthende, on his part, maintains that he is duly elected by the people of Mbeere North and remains confident that the court will uphold his mandate. Yesterday, Judge Mwongo reiterated that the constitutional six-month timeline for determining the petition remains in force and cannot be extended.
"We are working within a deadline of six months and by 28th May 2026 we should be delivering the judgement," said judge Mwongo when he met journalists yesterday.
This firm stance puts pressure on both sides to move swiftly as they prepare to present their arguments and evidence before the court.
As the pre-trial proceedings begin, all eyes remain fixed on the Embu High Court, where a political and legal showdown is now unfolding.
MWINGI TIMES for timely and authoritative news.
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