High Court to issue formal directions after Embu pre-trial on Mbeere North petitions

The High Court at Embu will issue formal directions on 19th January 2026 following a pre-trial conference in two election petitions challenging the results of the Mbeere North parliamentary seat.

The conference, presided over by Judge Richard Mwongo, addressed procedural matters including media conduct, dress code for lawyers, filing of trial bundles, and behavior in court.

A Disclosure Statement was also signed and handed to the parties in line with the Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct.

“All parties confirmed that the Judge has no conflict of interest in this case,” the court noted.

Counsel for the petitioners and respondents were all present, with some petitioners appearing in person.

Key issues outlined include the eligibility of the fourth respondent, Njeru Leo Wa Muthende, whether the overall election outcome reflects the will of the people, and costs.

The court also varied earlier orders on the storage of election materials, directing that all materials be kept in safe custody within the court precincts.

The IEBC committed to move the materials as soon as directed.

“The hearing dates for the substantive petitions have been fixed to run from 9th–12th March and 16th–19th March 2026, with a detailed timetable set by the court,” said Acting Deputy Registrar Hon. M. N. Kinyua.

The registrar added that “parties are expected to be disciplined in keeping to the allocated time during their representation.”

On the question of consolidating the two petitions, the court ordered that if the parties do not file a consent within seven days, it will rule on the matter on 12th February 2026 using the submissions already filed.