Meru County Governor Kawira Mwangaza suffered a major blow after the High Court sitting in Milimani, Nairobi, upheld her impeachment by the Senate last year.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye ruled that the process was lawful and constitutional. She further observed that she was unable to make further decisions, given that there is a pending petition before the Meru High Court raising similar issues.
The court stated that Mwangaza had been given an opportunity to defend herself before the Senate on allegations of abuse of office, and she was fully represented by counsels.
Drama in court
Drama ensued at the court precincts after the verdict, as some elated Meru residents who attended the court proceedings erupted in songs, while others chanted, “Justice for Meru.”
The development comes in the wake of a fresh leadership crisis, as Meru County MCAs have filed impeachment and censure motions against eight County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) serving under the Governor.
The officials targeted for impeachment are; County Secretary Dr. Kiambi Atheru, Ibrahim Mutwiri (Finance), Thurania Ithana (Roads), Benjamin Mungania (Youth and Sports) and Dickson Munene (Legal Affairs).
Others are Jackson Muthamia (Water), Yusuf Kithure (Education) and Harriet Makena (Trade).
The first motion to remove Finance Minister Ibrahim Kirimi Mutwiri was filed by DMK Kiogora, Abogeta West ward representative.
The second motion was filed by Athwana ward representative Jim Muchui, accusing Roads and Transport Minister Joseph Ithana.
Similarly, ward representative Mwenda Kiriinya, a special member of parliament representing the youth, moved a motion to remove Kiambi Atheru, the Permanent Secretary for Operations in the Governor’s office, from office.
