The High Court has extended Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza’s stay in office, months after the Senate upheld her impeachment.
In a ruling on December 18, 2024, Justice Bahati Mwamuye of Milimani Law Court upheld the conservatory orders barring her impeachment from office.
The Court said the validity of the ouster was challenged as the vote happened after midnight.
The ruling allows Mwangaza to continue discharging her gubernatorial duties before the full and final hearing set for a later date.
Kawira met the legal threshold for a conservatory order
Case to be heard and determined after 120 days.
The judge stated that the decision was made in order to avoid having a leadership vacuum in the county as this would cripple operations in the county.
Also Read: New Twist as Court Gives Orders on Kawira Mwangaza Impeachment
“The conservatory orders issued by this court on August 21, 2024 are confirmed and extended for a period of 120 days fro the date hereof and in that time the petitioner shall continue to serve as the governor of Meru County with a proviso that the judgment on this may be rendered before the lapse of those 120 days from the date hereof,” said Judge Bahati.
Judge Bahati Mwamuye stated that through his analysis, the embattled governor had met the legal threshold to be granted a conservatory order.
Kawira’s third impeachment
“Having analyzed the issues for determination, it’s my overall finding that the petitioner applicant has met the requisite legal threshold for the grant of conservatory orders and for them to be confirmed and extended to the full hearing and determination of the petition herein,” added the Judge.
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Also Read: Kawira Mwangaza Impeachment: Three Charges That MCAs & Senate Used to Remove Her
Following the ruling, the governor who was accompanied by his husband Murega Baichu was overcome by emotions at the Milimani Court.
Governor Mwangaza was impeached on August 21, 2024, after the Senate upheld her impeachment for abuse of office gross misconduct, and gross violation of the Constitution, after being impeached by Members of Meru County Assembly.
This was the third time Mwangaza was impeached since she was elected into office on August 2022.
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