Court to rule on Governor Kawira Mwangaza's impeachment case on December 18
By Maureen Kinyanjui |
The Council of Governors has thrown its weight behind Mwangaza, describing the impeachment process as malicious and in bad faith.
The High Court has deferred to December 18, 2024, its ruling on whether to uphold orders blocking the impeachment of Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye was initially set to deliver the decision on Friday, but the matter was adjourned and rescheduled.
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Governor Mwangaza, through her legal team, has opposed the application to set aside the court's orders, insisting she is the elected choice of the people and should be allowed to serve her full term.
Represented by advocates Elias Mutuma and Elisha Ongoya, she urged the court to respect the decision of Meru voters who elected her.
"The impeachment motion was not based on substance but on a determined effort to remove the governor from office by any means," her lawyers argued.
They further contended that overturning the orders would pave the way for her deputy to take over, creating an impression of guilt before the court determines the merits of the case.
"This would harm the governor and project a biased outcome," the lawyers said.
Mwangaza also criticised the proceedings at the Senate, saying they violated her right to a fair hearing.
She described the Senate's deliberations as chaotic and predetermined, alleging that a gazette notice announcing her removal had been prepared even before the Senate resolution.
In response, the Senate asked the court to lift the orders, arguing that the governor had sued the wrong party.
They maintained that the Speaker, who was named in the suit, does not have a vote in the impeachment process and is, therefore, not the appropriate respondent.
Meanwhile, the Council of Governors (CoG) has thrown its weight behind Governor Mwangaza, describing the impeachment process as malicious and in bad faith.
"If the court fails to confirm the orders, the governor will suffer undue prejudice," the CoG stated.
As the legal battle unfolds, all eyes are on Justice Mwamuye's ruling, which is expected to clarify the validity of the impeachment process and the fate of Governor Mwangaza's tenure.
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