Governor Kawira now in court to stop her impeachment

Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza. [George Kaimenyi, Standard]

Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza has moved to court in an attempt to scuttle a plan by Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to oust her.

In a motion that has already been tabled in the county assembly, Abogeta MCA Dennis Kiogora accused the governor of alleged nepotism, illegal appointments and sacking of county workers.

However Kawira, in an application filed before the High Court in Meru, wants the county assembly which has been listed as the first respondent, and House speaker who is the second respondent, barred from going forward with the process to impeach her.

This comes days after the county assembly started the impeachment process with plans to hold a public participation forum on the matter Monday.

After making their application under a certificate of urgency, the governor's lawyer, Mutuma Gichuru and Associates Advocates, told Justice Wamae Cherere that the impeachment was questionable.

"The actions of the respondents...amount to sub-judice in express violation of County Assembly of Meru's Standing Order No. 90 and is tantamount to interference of the independence of the Judiciary," he said.

The advocate claimed the motion which laid the grounds for Kawira's impeachment was "incurably defective," as it is issued by a stranger masquerading/purporting to be an acting clerk, whereas the position fell vacant on 19th November 2022 and the process for replacement is yet to commence".

Kawira claimed the impeachment proceedings are biased and labelled the impeachment plan a "sham process which is maliciously carried out in a secretive manner constituting a flagrant subversion of the Constitution and the majority will of the residents of Meru County".

Kawira's case will be heard on November 28.