Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has suffered a major setback after the High Court upheld her impeachment by the Senate, sealing her removal from office.
In a ruling delivered on Friday, Justice Bahati Mwamuye affirmed the Senate’s decision, stating that the petition challenging her ouster failed to meet the legal threshold for dismissal.
Unless Mwangaza secures a stay order from the Court of Appeal, Meru Deputy Governor Isaac Mutuma M’Ethingia is set to assume the governorship.
On August 21, 2024, the Senate voted overwhelmingly to remove Mwangaza from office:
- First charge (gross violation of the Constitution and other laws): 26 senators voted in favor, 14 abstained, and 4 opposed.
- Second charge (gross misconduct): 26 senators supported her removal, 14 abstained, and 2 voted against.
- Third charge (abuse of office): 27 senators upheld the charge, 14 abstained, and 1 opposed.
Most abstentions came from senators aligned with opposition parties.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi confirmed the governor’s removal, citing Article 181 of the Constitution, Section 33 of the County Government Act, and Senate Standing Order 86.
This marks Mwangaza’s third impeachment attempt since her election in August 2022. While the first impeachment was handled by a special committee, the second and third were decided by the full Senate plenary.
With her removal now upheld, the political future of Meru County remains uncertain as the legal battle continues.
