Meru governor Mwangaza hails court's stay order as her Christmas miracle

Tears of joy flowed from Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza as the High Court extended an order blocking her removal from office on Wednesday.

Mwangaza, alongside her husband Murega Baichu, was visibly emotional as they wiped away tears, which they appeared to attribute to happiness, during the court session.

Speaking after the ruling, Mwangaza described the court's decision as the best Christmas gift she could have hoped for.

“I’m so happy today. I want to thank our court and also our people for their support. I believe that the days we have been given, we will comply with the courts and I believe that whatever God has given to a person, none can take it from that person,” she said.

“I believe that even after one hundred and something days that we have been given, God will still give us a miracle, and that is my faith. I thank my supporters, so many have been praying for me and I believe their prayers have been answered. God bless you all, especially Mamas from Meru County.”

The ruling, delivered by Justice Bahati Mwamuye, extends the order for another 120 days. In his judgment, Justice Mwamuye emphasised that public interest favoured the extension, noting that allowing Mwangaza’s removal during the ongoing legal proceedings could lead to irreversible changes in the office of the governor.

“Those changes will not be easy to undo if the petition succeeds,” the judge said.

Mwangaza had previously faced a Senate decision on August 21, which endorsed the Meru County Assembly's move to impeach her.

This came after a third attempt to uphold her impeachment, where 26 senators supported the charges brought against her. However, Mwangaza immediately sought relief in court, and on the same day, Justice Mwamuye issued a stop order, halting her removal.

While the court’s decision was hailed by Mwangaza’s supporters, critics on social media expressed strong opposition.

Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei criticised the court’s intervention, stating, “The move by the court to suspend the senate impeachment of Meru Governor is not grounded in any law or any precedent. The tradition and practice in Parliament is that when it reaches midnight when division/voting is ongoing then it must be concluded and results read out by the speaker. Who will give justice to the Meru people? I cry and gnash teeth for them, they will continue to suffer bad leadership and development.”

Joshua, another social media user, expressed frustration, saying, “The work of the Court is to check if the impeachment met the threshold of law and determine the action but it seems the court has now become gatekeepers.”

Kiprotich Langat added his concerns, accusing the judiciary of enabling corruption.

“Bad judgment which just renders impeachment to be of no use. You can be impeached for having looted the county dry but the courts still allow you to remain in office to continue looting the county dry and even interfere with evidence and witnesses that could have been used to mount cases against what you have done,” he said.

Other critics, including Muriithi Ken and Brown Eyes 254, expressed disappointment, with Ken calling the decision “ridiculous,” while Brown Eyes 254 labelled it as “corrupt” and disregarding the people's opinion in Meru County.