Reprieve for Kawira Mwangaza as High Court extends orders blocking her impeachment

High Court Judge Bahati Mwamuye ruled on Wednesday that Mwangaza's application has met the threshold required for the extension of the orders.

"The respondent's notice of motion is dismissed, ex-party orders are confirmed and extended for a period of 120 days and at that time she will continue to serve as the Governor," Justice Mwamuye ruled. 

The court further noted that public interest warrants the extension of the orders, adding that there's if the orders are not extended then the petition will be rendered nugatory if Mwangaza wins the case.

The court was told that Mwangaza would suffer prejudice and that the petition would be an academic exercise.

This means that the case will be heard fully. The matter will be mentioned on December 20.

Mwangaza unsuccessfully 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.