The impeachment of Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has been upheld.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye, while delivering his judgment on Friday, March 14, upheld the Senate’s decision, which affirmed her impeachment by the Meru County Assembly over gross misconduct, abuse of office, and gross violation of the Constitution.
While delivering his ruling, Mwamuye noted that the Senate had acted in accordance with the Constitution during Mwangaza's impeachment process.
While agreeing with the Senate, he dismissed Mwangaza's petition that claimed that the process was marred by chaos, ruling that she had failed to substantiate those allegations.
"The petitioner has not shown that the Senate’s analysis of the applicable law and evidence was so profoundly incorrect that no reasonable quasi-judicial body properly applying its mind to the law and the facts would have arrived at that conclusion, thus warranting interference by this court,” Mwamuye ruled.
With this judgment, the judge effectively sealed the fate of Mwangaza, who has been in and out of court since her impeachment, battling to hold on to her seat.
Even so, Mwangaza could still appeal the decision at the higher courts in an effort to salvage her political career.
Before judgment day, Mwangaza had exuded confidence that the courts would rule in her favour as she fired a warning shot at her critics. The first-time governor attributed her current woes to leaders in the Meru County government who, she claimed, were afraid of facing her in the political arena.
Furthermore, she stated that she would put her hat in the ring for the upcoming 2027 General Election, but this now appears to be in jeopardy.
In the wake of her impeachment, Meru Deputy Governor Rev. Isaac Mutuma M'Ethingia is expected to take over as Meru Governor for the remainder of Mwangaza's term.
As per the Constitution of Kenya 2010, this provision is critical in ensuring there is no vacuum in such an important position as governor, thereby maintaining stability in county leadership.
The judgement came after Mwamuye had issued conservatory orders in December 2024, extending Mwangaza’s stay in office for 120 days.
