Kawira Mwangaza can breathe a sigh of relief after the High Court temporarily halted her impeachment as Meru Governor.
Mwangaza had challenged her ouster by the Meru County Assembly, arguing that the impeachment process was flawed.
On Wednesday, Mwangaza, represented by lawyer Eliud Mutuma, went to court to contest the Senate’s decision to remove her from office. The court issued an order barring her removal and preventing the Senate Speaker or any other authority from declaring the governor’s office vacant in the Kenya Gazette.
Mwangaza went to court to challenge her removal, claiming the Senate’s decision was flawed. Her lawyer, Eliud Mutuma, argued that the impeachment process was rushed and improperly handled.
The court issued an order to halt the impeachment and stop anyone from declaring the governor’s office vacant.
“Pending the inter partes hearing and determination of the Application dated 21/08/2024, a conservatory order be and is hereby issued staying the furtherance or the implementation of the Resolution of the Senate removing the Governor of Meru County, Hon. Kawira Mwangaza, from Office by way of impeachment,” the order said.
Mwangaza must now serve the application and petition to the respondents and confirm this with an affidavit. The respondents have until August 28, 2024, to reply. Mwangaza has until September 4, 2024, to file her responses, and the case will be reviewed on September 17, 2024.
Why was Kawira Mwangaza Impeached?
The Senate had previously voted to impeach Mwangaza, finding her guilty on several charges, including abuse of office. Speaker Amason Kingi declared, “The Senate has resolved to remove from office by impeachment Hon. Kawira Mwangaza, the Governor of Meru County.”
For now, Mwangaza remains in office as she awaits further legal proceedings.
By Vivian K.