High Court Upholds Governor Kawira Mwangaza's Impeachment
Justice Bahati Mwamuye, in his ruling on Friday, March 14, upheld the Senate's decision, which validated her removal by the Meru County Assembly on grounds of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and serious constitutional violations.
Viral Tea Ke Writer 
The High Court has upheld Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza's impeachment by the Senate.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye, in his ruling on Friday, March 14, upheld the Senate's decision, which validated her removal by the Meru County Assembly on grounds of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and serious constitutional violations.
Mwamuye stated that the Senate followed constitutional procedures in handling Mwangaza's impeachment. He also rejected Mwangaza's petition alleging irregularities in the process, ruling that she had not provided sufficient evidence to support her claims.
“The amended petition dated 23rd December 2024, which is the subject of the proceedings herein, is found to be without merit and is dismissed accordingly.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye of the High Court during a court session on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. /KALONZO MUSYOKA
“The Gazette Notice No 10351 Volume CXXV1 No 130, dated 20th August published on 21st August 2024 and issued by the respondent communicating the decision and the resolution of the senate to remove the petitioner from office as the Governor of Meru county by way of impeachment is affirmed,” Justice Mwamuye ruled.
With this ruling, the judge has effectively determined Mwangaza's fate, following her prolonged legal battles to retain her seat after impeachment. However, she still has the option to appeal the decision in higher courts in a bid to revive her political career.
Prior to the ruling, Mwangaza had expressed confidence that the courts would rule in her favor, even issuing a warning to her critics. She attributed her troubles to political rivals within the Meru County government, whom she accused of fearing a direct contest with her.
Despite her impeachment, Mwangaza had declared her intention to run in the 2027 General Election, but this now seems uncertain.
Following her removal, Meru Deputy Governor Rev. Isaac Mutuma M’Ethingia is set to assume the governorship for the remainder of the term. According to the 2010 Constitution of Kenya, this transition ensures continuity in county leadership, preventing a power vacuum in such a crucial position.
Mwangaza was removed from office on August 21, 2024, after the Senate upheld her impeachment on grounds of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and serious constitutional violations.
On August 8, 2024, MCAs voted to impeach her on charges of abuse of office, gross misconduct and gross violation of the Constitution and other laws.
40 out of 69 members of the county assembly voted in favour of the impeachment motion tabled by Deputy Majority Party Leader Zipporah Kinya, meeting the two-thirds threshold. Another 17 voted against the impeachment motion, while three did not vote.
