DP party leader Justin Muturi./ HANDOUT
The High Court has granted prayers by Democratic Party petitioner and advocate Gilbert Njoroge seeking lawful access to electoral records and data.
The case had raised questions about transparency in election management.
The ruling concerns access to electoral information, including records and technological data that may be relevant to the verification and scrutiny of election processes.
The case has drawn the attention of supporters of former Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, who have argued that political parties and accredited observers should be able to examine electoral records and other evidence where permitted by law.
The petition focused on the ability to scrutinise information behind the electoral process rather than relying solely on assurances from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
Access to election records, servers, audit logs, voter-register data and other relevant information could allow disputed claims about the electoral process to be tested against documentary and technological evidence.
The petition was opposed by the IEBC and lawyers representing the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The ruling comes amid renewed debate over the preparedness and transparency of electoral institutions ahead of the 2027 General Election.
Muturi has recently raised concerns about the integrity of the voters' register and called for greater scrutiny of the electoral process.
The court's decision adds to ongoing discussions over how electoral records should be accessed, examined and used to verify election results.
The case also highlights the role of courts in determining the extent to which electoral data can be accessed by parties and other authorised stakeholders within the law.
