The High Court in Kapsabet has dismissed a petition by outgoing Student Association of Baraton University (SABU) president Kiprop Gideon, effectively upholding the university’s 2025–2026 student elections and the swearing-in of new leaders.

Justice J.R. Karanja ruled that Gideon failed to prove any illegality, unfairness, or constitutional violations in the electoral process, despite alleging bias, irregularities and a rushed handover.

The court found that the elections were conducted within the framework of the SABU Constitution and that the university acted within its mandate.

Gideon had sought orders to quash the election results, block the swearing-in of President-elect Naomi Kasiva Waema and compel the university to conduct a fresh poll.

Petition by the Outgoing SABU President

He argued that the removal of the former Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) chairperson, vetting concerns involving his running mate and unresolved appeals rendered the process unconstitutional.

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But the university, through Deputy Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Dr. Paul Wahonya, countered that Gideon withheld crucial facts, including the fact that the swearing-in had already taken place before he moved to court.

The administration said internal appeals had been heard and decided, noting that Gideon himself signed the final tally sheet, signaling acceptance of the outcome.

In his ruling, Justice Karanja stated the legal requirement for parties to exhaust internal dispute mechanisms before seeking judicial review.

Court Gives Way Forward

The court held that Gideon bypassed established procedures and failed to demonstrate any exceptional circumstances to justify court intervention.

“The application is devoid of merit and an abuse of the court process,” the judge said, adding that the evidence presented did not show any violation of Gideon’s constitutional rights.

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The court also noted that overturning the election after the new office bearers had been sworn in would disrupt university governance and serve no meaningful purpose.

With the dismissal, the 2025–2026 SABU leadership, already in office since March, will continue its term uninterrupted. The court ordered Gideon to pay costs.

The ruling showed the judiciary’s stance that student electoral disputes must go through established university channels before landing in court.

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The Image Depicts a Legal Eetting, Featuring a Wooden Gavel and a Scale of Justice in the Foreground, with a Row of Law Books in the Background. PHOTO/ Courtesy