By Alloys Musyoka
The high court has upheld Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza impeachment by the senate.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye upheld the Senate decision to kick her out office on Friday.
He ruled that the petition did not meet the threshold required to quash the impeachment and consequently validated a gazette notice communicating her ouster from office.
Meru deputy governor Isaac Mutuma will be sworn in to take over if the Mwangaza fails to secures an order staying the High Court decision at the court of Appeal.
The governor was impeached after 26 senators, on August 21, 2024, voted to uphold the first charge on gross violation of the constitution and other laws.
Four voted in her favor while14 senators abstained with the second charge of gross misconduct, 26 senators voted in favor of her impeachment, two against, while 14 others abstained.
In the same note 27 senators upheld the charge of abuse of office, one voted against, and 14 abstained.
“Pursuant to Article 181 of the Constitution, Section 33 of County Government Act and Standing Order 86 of the Senate Standing Orders, the Senate has resolved to remove from office by impeachment Hon. Kawira Mwangaza, the Governor of Meru County and the governor accordingly ceases to hold office,” Speaker Amason Kingi said.
This was Mwangaza’s third impeachment to reach the Senate since she was elected into office in August 2022.
