Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has suffered a major blow after the High Court upheld the Senate’s decision to impeach her, effectively ending her tenure as governor.
In its ruling, the court found that the Senate had acted within the bounds of the Constitution during the impeachment process and dismissed Mwangaza’s claims that the proceedings were flawed or irregular. Justice Bahati Mwamuye, presiding over the case, stated that Mwangaza failed to provide sufficient evidence to support her allegations of misconduct in the impeachment process.
The court’s decision affirmed the gazette notice published on August 21, 2024, which officially removed Mwangaza from office.
Justice Mwamuye declared, “This court finds that the amended petition is without merit and dismissed. The gazette notice published on 21 August 2024 to remove her from office is affirmed.” This ruling marks the culmination of a protracted legal and political battle that began when the Senate voted to impeach Mwangaza following allegations of abuse of power and misconduct.
Mwangaza, who had maintained her innocence throughout the process, argued that the impeachment was politically motivated and marred by procedural irregularities. However, the court found no merit in her claims, emphasizing that the Senate had followed due process as outlined in the Constitution. The decision underscores the judiciary’s role in upholding constitutional principles and ensuring accountability among public officials.
The impeachment and subsequent court ruling have significant implications for Meru County, as the region now faces the task of transitioning to new leadership. For Mwangaza, the ruling represents a dramatic fall from grace, ending her tenure as one of Kenya’s prominent female governors. The case also serves as a reminder of the rigorous scrutiny faced by public officials and the legal mechanisms in place to address allegations of misconduct.
