Tears of joy marked a significant moment for Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza as the High Court extended an order blocking her removal from office.
The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, came as a reprieve for the governor, who attended the session with her husband, Murega Baichu. Both were visibly emotional during the proceedings.
Speaking after the court’s decision, Mwangaza described it as a divine intervention and the best Christmas gift she could have received.
“I’m so happy today. I want to thank our court and our people for their support. I believe that the days we have been given, we will comply with the courts, and I have faith that what God has given to a person, no one can take away,” she said.
Mwangaza expressed gratitude to her supporters, particularly the women of Meru County, for their prayers.
“Even after the 120 days we have been given, I believe God will perform another miracle,” she added.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye extended the order preventing Mwangaza’s removal for another 120 days, emphasizing the importance of public interest.
He noted that allowing the governor’s impeachment to proceed amid ongoing legal proceedings could lead to irreversible disruptions in governance.
“Those changes will not be easy to undo if the petition succeeds,” Justice Mwamuye said.
This decision follows a previous Senate endorsement of Mwangaza’s impeachment on August 21, where 26 senators upheld the charges against her. Mwangaza challenged the decision in court, prompting Justice Mwamuye to issue a stop order on the same day.
The court’s decision drew mixed reactions, with Mwangaza’s supporters celebrating it as a victory while critics voiced their disappointment.
On social media, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei questioned the legal grounding of the ruling.
“The court’s move to suspend the Senate impeachment of Meru Governor is not based on any law or precedent. Who will give justice to the people of Meru?” he wrote.
Other users expressed frustration, accusing the judiciary of undermining accountability.
“Impeachment is now meaningless,”
“You can loot a county dry, but the courts allow you to stay in office, interfering with evidence and witnesses.” Another user lament
Social media users also criticized the judgment, calling it “ridiculous” and “corrupt,” respectively, while accusing the judiciary of disregarding the will of the Meru people.
