Blow to Kawira Mwangaza as court upholds impeachment

Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza at Bunge Towers, Nairobi on January 28, 2025. [Elvis Ogina, Standard]

Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has suffered a major blow after the High Court upheld the Senate's decision to impeach her.

Justice Bahati Mwamuye, on Friday, March 14, ruled that her impeachment was lawful per the Constitution.

Mwamuye affirmed the Senate's decision, clearing the way for the governor's removal from office.

"The amended petition dated December 23, 2024, has not met the required legal threshold for this court to disturb the decision of the Senate," the judge ruled.

He dismissed Mwangaza's petition challenging her ouster for lack of merit.

"The gazette notice dated August 20, 2024, issued by the Senate, communicating the decision to remove the petitioner from office as the governor of Meru is hereby affirmed," Justice Mwamuye ruled.

Governor Mwangaza had challenged her impeachment on several grounds, including allegations of procedural violations, lack of a fair hearing, claims of inadequate public participation and that her impeachment process was rushed and marred by chaos and sub judice principle.

"The impeachment process was conducted per the Constitution and the allegations have not been proved to required standards," said Justice Mwamuye in his decision.

"The governor's claims, including her accusations of procedural unfairness, lack of public participation, and violations of court orders, are without merit."