Meru MCAs angered by court ruling blocking Kawira Mwangaza's impeachment

A section of Meru Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) have expressed their frustration and disappointment following a High Court ruling on Wednesday that extended Governor Kawira Mwangaza’s stay in office.

The court order, issued by Justice Bahati Mwamuye, blocks the Senate's decision to impeach Mwangaza for a period of 120 days, effectively giving her a temporary lifeline.

In his ruling, Justice Mwamuye stated that Mwangaza’s application met the threshold required for an extension of the orders.

 "The respondent's notice of motion is dismissed. Ex-parte orders are confirmed and extended for a period of 120 days, and in that period, she will continue to serve as the Governor," he ruled.

The judge further emphasized that public interest justified the extension, noting that if the orders were not upheld, the petition could be rendered meaningless should Mwangaza ultimately win her case.

Following the ruling, Joseph Njuki, MCA for Mwangathia Ward, voiced his outrage, calling the decision a significant injustice.

“Today, we are deeply disappointed by the court’s ruling. However, I am not entirely surprised. There is a saying: ‘When injustice becomes a way of life, resistance becomes a duty.' We are awakened by the injustice that has occurred in the court today. Despite the legitimate process of impeaching the Meru Governor, the court has returned the matter to the people of Meru. This decision is a significant injustice to us.”

Njuki also alleged that the ruling reflected systemic bias, comparing it to past events involving national leaders.

“We witnessed a similar situation when Kindiki was sworn in—a reminder of systemic injustice. We call upon all Kenyans who believe in the rule of law to stand with us and the people of Meru,” he added.

Patrick Mutuma, the Majority Leader in the Meru County Assembly, echoed similar sentiments, claiming that higher powers were protecting Governor Mwangaza.

“Today, we expected Meru to be freed from oppression and poor leadership. As MCAs, we have been fighting for justice and visible development for our people. However, we now realize that we are not just fighting against Kawira Mwangaza. There are forces above her holding her in place,” Mutuma said.

He further drew comparisons to the impeachment process of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, suggesting that it was expedited, unlike the current situation in Meru.

“When Rigathi Gachagua was facing impeachment, the process was expedited as if he were a stolen bicycle. Yet here in Meru, despite following all legal procedures, we see Kawira Mwangaza being protected and the process being deliberately delayed. Upon closer examination, we see that Deputy President Kindiki is the one shielding her,” Mutuma alleged.

The extension of the court orders means that Mwangaza will remain in office for until the court resolves her petition.

Mwangaza faced her third impeachment on August 21 after a contentious late-night voting session at the Senate confirmed all three charges against the embattled Governor.

On the first charge of gross violation of the Constitution and other laws, the Senate found Kawira guilty, with 26 Senators voting to confirm the charge, 4 voting against it, and 14 abstaining.

The second charge followed a similar pattern, with 26 Senators voting in favour, 2 opposing, and 14 abstaining. The third charge, abuse of office, saw 27 Senators voting to confirm the charge, 1 voting against it, and 14 abstaining.