[Meru Governor Peter Munya. A petition seeking to bar him from seeking re-election has been dismissed by the High Court Courtesy: The Star]

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Meru governor Peter Munya's re-election bid has been handed a major boost after the courts declined to bar him from contesting during the forthcoming general elections.

The High Court sitting in Meru trashed a petition filed by a Meru businessman seeking to block the outspoken county chief from defending his seat.

In a ruling made by Judge Alfred Mabeya on Thursday, the court noted that the petitioner, Isaiah Kithinji, failed to explore all avenues outlined by the State before filing the application.

Justice Mabeya stated that the petitioner should have first lodged a complaint with the Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission (EACC) before seeking the guidance of the court.

“EACC should be allowed to carry [out] the investigation first before the petition is brought to court. The court will not undermine independent institutions, therefore the petition is struck out,’’ he said.

The petitioner had accused the PNU Party leader of misappropriating County funds.