Kawira Mwangaza's Next Move As Her Replacement Sworn In As Meru Governor

Impeached Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has moved to the Court of Appeal, challenging the High Court's ruling that upheld her impeachment by the Senate.

Mwangaza moved to the Appellate Court under a certificate of urgency, seeking a stay on the ouster ruling. She also wanted the swearing-in of Isaac Mutuma as the new Meru Governor halted pending a hearing of the matter.

However, the issue has been complicated because Mutuma has already been sworn in. This now throws a tough challenge to the impeached Governor as the appellate court cannot temporarily reinstate Mwangaza while an appeal is pending if she decides to challenge the decision in court.

Mwangaza was removed from office after 26 Senators supported her impeachment on charges of gross misconduct and constitutional violations. The Senate vote highlighted the significant challenge she faced in holding onto her position, with only four Senators backing her and 14 abstaining.

Isaac M'ithingia Mutuma sworn in as Meru Governor on March 17, 2025. /X

Notably, this marked the third attempt to impeach Mwangaza, who has previously been criticized for her inability to unify the Meru region during her two-year tenure.

In light of her impeachment, she announced her plans to ditch the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party. Speaking on Sunday, March 16, her husband, Murega Baichu, revealed that Mwangaza, who had secured the Meru gubernatorial seat as an independent candidate, had initially started the process of joining the UDA party but ultimately chose to withdraw.

"Kawira Mwangaza had already decided to become a member of the UDA party and I had also registered as a member. I had even paid the membership fee. I had registered as a potential candidate with a UDA ticket here in Meru County," Baichu revealed.

Baichu explained that the decision was made after the party failed to support Mwangaza during her impeachment, refusing to take a clear stand.

He noted that the last time the party had attempted to assist Mwangaza was when Cleophas Malala was the Secretary-General. At the time, Malala had written to the county government, urging Members of the County Assembly to halt the impeachment process. However, Malala was soon removed from his position, and the party withdrew its support.

"Cleophas Malala wrote a letter to Meru County Assembly and also to ZK, a nominated MCA from the UDA party and at that time, as the Secretary-General, called for a stop in the impeachment process stating that it was the party's stance," Baichu revealed.

"That is the only time we witnessed the UDA Party declaring a stance on the impeachment process calling for a pause until the Party had a chance to speak on the issue."

Baichu also revealed that Mwangaza would be running again, this time under their party, which has already been registered and established in over 35 counties.

He added that within the week, Mwangaza would announce the new party if she accepted the request to become its leader. Meanwhile, he clarified that they still aligned with the government.