High Court Judge Bahati Mwamuye has halted Meru County’s two-year leadership circus by upholding Kawira Mwangaza’s senate impeachment. Justice Mwamunye upheld the former Governor’s impeachment, saying the process followed in her ouster followed proper legal procedures.
The High Court ruled that Ms Mwangaza’s petition did not meet the threshold required to vacate the impeachment. The ruling consequently validated a gazette notice issued by the senate communicating her ouster from office.
“The court has assessed the totality of the impeachment process and found that she was given ample opportunity to present her case and respond to allegations leveled against her,” said Justice Mwamuye.
The court further ruled that the Senate did not violate any court orders during Ms Mwangaza’s impeachment. Kawira Mwangaza had argued that the Senate proceeded with her removal despite pending court proceedings that sought to block the process.
“Whether she chose to remain silent or not did not change the fact that she was given a chance to present her defense,” the ruling read in part.
Kawira Mwangaza Appointments Targeted
To make the determination, the court evaluated whether due process had been followed in accordance with the Constitution. Ms Kawira Mwangaza had argued that she was only given two minutes to defend herself, effectively denying her a fair hearing. On this argument, the court found that official records indicated she had been granted sufficient time and opportunity to speak.
In the aftermath of the ruling, Meru County MCAs have moved to clear most of the appointments made by Ms Mwangaza. They have filed impeachment and censure motions against eight County Executive Committee Members (CECM). They are County Secretary Dr. Kiambi Atheru, Ibrahim Mutwiri (Finance), Thurania Ithana (Roads), Benjamin Mungania (Youth and Sports) and Dickson Munene (Legal Affairs). Jackson Muthamia (Water), Yusuf Kithure (Education) and Harriet Makena (Trade).
The County MCAs have cited gross misconduct, office abuse and incompetence as grounds for their actions. Other accusations include failure to attend county assembly sessions, addressing critical issues within their ministries, and raising concerns and questions among residents about the county’s performance. The MCAs have vowed to continue with proceedings until there is accountability in the use of county funds and the implementation of government duties.
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