DP leader Justin Muturi has rejected what he described as a premature “projected win” for UDA’s Leonard Wamuthende, claiming serious irregularities in the vote tallying.
Muturi challenged UDA’s figures, pointing to discrepancies in official records: “According to UDA, Hon. Newton Kariuki Ndwiga got 141 votes in Kanyuambora, yet Form 34A clearly shows 236 votes. Wacheni porojo za social media facts don’t bend.”
Muturi’s rejection comes on the back of widespread jitters over alleged electoral malpractice.
DP had earlier written to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) lamenting what they termed a coordinated plan to rig the by-election: “imported goons,” voter bribery, and other forms of interference.
The former National Assembly Speaker flagged the issue as not merely procedural but fundamental to the legitimacy of the outcome.
According to him, the tallying discrepancies mirror patterns he’s accused of happening elsewhere in past elections a worrying sign for democracy in Mbeere North.
Wamuthende backed by UDA and government figures remains confident, asserting his campaign’s strength and claiming opposition agents tried to disrupt the process.
As votes continue being counted, the spotlight is now on the IEBC.
Will the commission honour calls for rigorous verification and perhaps a recount or will the contested results stand?
One thing is clear: in this by-election, the battle for truth has become as fierce as the race for the seat.
