The political drama in Meru County has taken a sharp turn as the Controller of Budget, Dr Margaret Nyakang’o, stood her ground against an appeal to halt impeached Governor Kawira Mwangaza’s authority over county finances.
This comes as protests in Meru enter their second day, with residents increasingly frustrated by the embattled governor’s presence in office despite her impeachment.
Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi had urgently appealed to Nyakang’o to freeze Governor Mwangaza’s access to the County Revenue Fund, arguing that the impeachment, confirmed by a majority vote in the Senate, should disqualify her from making any financial authorisations.
However, Nyakang’o rejected the request, citing the High Court’s decision to temporarily halt Mwangaza’s removal, allowing her to continue operating as governor until further judicial directives.
President William Ruto shaking hands with Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza flanked by DP Rigathi Gachagua on January 27, 2024
PCS
“The court order stopping the implementation of the Senate’s resolution effectively keeps Governor Mwangaza in office,” Nyakang’o stated in a letter addressed to Senator Murungi on Tuesday, August 27.
“As long as the court maintains this order, the Governor retains the authority to assent to the Appropriation Bill and authorise withdrawals from the Meru County Revenue Fund.”
This legal nuance has created a paradoxical situation, where an impeached governor, whose leadership has been widely questioned, continues to wield executive power.
Mwangaza, who faced her third impeachment on August 21, was found guilty of all three charges brought against her, including gross violation of the Constitution and abuse of office.
The Senate’s late-night voting session saw overwhelming support for her ousting, yet the High Court’s intervention has kept her in office, at least for now.
The court is set to review the case on September 17, 2024, where it will assess compliance with its orders and possibly set a new date for further proceedings. Until then, Mwangaza remains at the helm of Meru County, a situation that has sparked anger among the county’s residents.
Protests have erupted across the county, with demonstrators demanding that Mwangaza vacate her position immediately. Tensions escalated outside the county government offices on Tuesday, where protesters accused the governor of illegally occupying her office.
Police were compelled to use teargas to disperse the crowd after fires were lit outside the premises. Residents claimed that Mwangaza had “sneaked” into her office using an unmarked vehicle, further fueling their outrage.
The unfolding crisis in Meru reflects the deep-seated divisions within the county, as the legal battles surrounding Mwangaza’s impeachment continue to overshadow governance.
The High Court’s stay of her removal has not only prolonged the political drama but also raised serious questions about the limits of judicial intervention in executive matters.
As the situation develops, the eyes of the nation remain fixed on Meru County, where a legal standoff has become a flashpoint for public unrest.
The implications of this case could extend far beyond the county’s borders, setting precedents for how impeachment proceedings and judicial reviews are handled in Kenya’s evolving political landscape.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi reading the resolution to impeach Governor Kawira Mwangaza to the House, August 19.
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NA