Gloria Orwoba: Why Newton Karish should challenge Mbeere North by-election results in court
By Mabonga Makhanu, November 29, 2025Former nominated senator Gloria Orwoba has urged Democratic Party (DP) candidate Newton Karish, who was defeated in the Mbeere North poll, to challenge the outcome in court, even though only a few months remain before the general elections.
While speaking during an interview on Iko Nini aired on Saturday, November 29, 2025, she explained that Karish should not let the matter rest simply because there is limited time before the general elections.
She said he should challenge the outcome since, according to Orwoba, there are enough grounds for a petition, as the election was not fair and was marred by voter bribery, voter intimidation, violence, and many other unlawful activities that go against the election code of conduct.
She went on to state that if Karish fails to take action by going to court just because the general elections are around the corner, it will set a wrong precedent, allowing such crimes to be repeated in future elections simply because no action was taken earlier.
“Justice must be followed, no matter how long it takes, no matter how inconvenient it is, no matter how stupid it looks. You must pursue justice; otherwise, you will be encouraging unlawful activities during elections to keep doing what they are doing,” Orwoba said.
She insisted that justice must be followed to the letter no matter how long it takes or how awkward it appears. One must pursue justice; otherwise, it will encourage unlawful activities to thrive in society, and the only proper process is through the court.
“Justice has to be pursued even if general elections are tomorrow or soon. Justice has to be pursued, and the right process is through court.”
Newton Karish, through his lawyer Ndegwa Njiru, has hinted that he may pursue legal action to challenge the election outcome.
Panyako forgives
This comes a day after Seth Panyako, who unsuccessfully vied for the Malava parliamentary seat, insisted that he would not move to court and had forgiven the perpetrators, saying he would not seek compensation.
Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya, who spoke for the United Opposition, appeared to differ with him, saying they were conducting internal consultations before engaging Panyako about taking the legal route, stating that, just like in Mbeere North, criminal activities marred the by-election in Malava.
Kalasinga to sue Ford Kenya
Kabuchai MP, Majimbo Kalasinga, has vowed to sue the Ford Kenya party, accusing them of being behind the vandalisation of his hotel in Chwele and the stoning of his home.