Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza resumed her official duties on Friday, August 23, despite her recent impeachment, intensifying the political drama that has gripped the county.
The Governor's return to her office, amidst heavy security presence, has sparked outrage among Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) who have been vocal in their protests against her defiance.
Mwangaza, whose impeachment was endorsed by the Senate earlier in the week, was spotted at her office on Thursday. However, the true extent of her return to power only became clear when it was revealed that she had resumed full control of county operations, a move that has left many questioning the legality of her actions.
Senator Kathuri Murungi, a key player in the ongoing political turmoil, urged Mwangaza to refrain from resuming her duties until the courts make a final determination on her petition challenging the impeachment.
Murungi’s plea, however, appears to have fallen on deaf ears, as the Governor proceeded to meet with her Cabinet, a fact she proudly shared on her Facebook page.
“This afternoon, I was delighted to meet with the Cabinet to discuss and advance key initiatives that are aimed at addressing pressing issues within our county,” Mwangaza posted. Her statement highlighted her commitment to progress in Meru, focusing on transparency and effective governance, despite the political storm swirling around her.
The Governor’s legal counsel, Elias Mutuma, has been a strong advocate for her right to remain in office pending the outcome of her legal challenge. According to Mutuma, the court order issued by Justice Bahati Mwamuye effectively halted the installation of Mwangaza’s deputy, Mutuma M’Ethingia, as the new governor.
The order also prevented the gazettement of the Senate’s resolution to remove Mwangaza from office, creating a legal grey area that the Governor has used to her advantage.
Mutuma further revealed that he had taken proactive steps to ensure the court’s orders were upheld. He sent official communication to key figures, including Chief Justice Martha Koome and the county’s security leadership, urging them to respect the court’s ruling. The lawyer made it clear that, despite the Senate’s Gazette notice, there was no legal basis to swear in M’Ethingia as governor.
Security around the county headquarters was heightened following Mwangaza’s return, with anti-riot and plainclothes police officers deployed to prevent any potential clashes between her supporters and those backing her deputy.
The county’s police commander, Steve Oloo, confirmed that the enhanced security measures were in place to enforce the court order, ensuring Mwangaza’s position remained secure until a judicial decision was reached.
Despite the legal and political uncertainty, Mwangaza’s return to office was marked by her trademark resilience. Taking to social media, she boldly declared her slogan, "Kaende kaende, kabati kabati," a phrase that has come to symbolise her tenacity in the face of adversity.
The legal battle surrounding Mwangaza's impeachment raises important constitutional questions about the succession of power in county governments. According to Article 182 of the Kenyan Constitution, when a governor is impeached, the deputy governor is expected to assume office.
However, this transition is complicated by the ongoing legal proceedings and the court's decision to halt the process.
Should the deputy governor be unable to take over, the county assembly speaker would step in as acting governor until elections are held within sixty days. However, this scenario is currently on hold as the courts deliberate on Mwangaza’s petition.
The situation in Meru is fluid, and all eyes are now on the judiciary as it weighs in on the legality of the Senate’s decision and the future of Kawira Mwangaza’s tenure.
For now, Meru County remains a region on edge, caught in the crosshairs of legal and political uncertainty.
