Meru Governor Kawaira Mwangaza has been hit hard after the High Court upheld her impeachment at the Senate Assembly.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye announced the decision by court to uphold the Senate’s resolution to kick Kawira out office in a judgement delivered on Friday.
Mwamuye said that the petition did not meet the threshold required to quash the impeachment and consequently validated a gazette notice communicating her ouster from office.
Unless Mwangaza secures an order staying the High Court decision at the court of Appeal, Meru Deputy Governor Isaac Mutuma M’Ethingia will take office as Governor.
26 senators, on August 21, 2024, voted to uphold the first charge on gross violation of the constitution and other laws.
Some 14 senators abstained, while four voted in her favour.
On the second charge of gross misconduct, 26 senators voted in favour of her impeachment, two against, while 14 others abstained.
27 senators upheld the charge of abuse of office, one voted against, and 14 abstained.
Most of those who abstained are allied to the Opposition parties.
“Pursuant to Article 181 of the Constitution, Section 33 of County Government Act and Standing Order 86 of the Senate Standing Orders, the Senate has resolved to remove from office by impeachment Hon. Kawira Mwangaza, the Governor of Meru County and the governor accordingly ceases to hold office,” Speaker Amason Kingi said.
This was Mwangaza’s third impeachment to reach the Senate since she was elected into office in August 2022.
The first impeachment hearing was heard and determined by a committee, but the second and third went the plenary way.
