Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza will remain in office for the next 120 days following a court ruling on Wednesday, December 18.
Justice Bahati Mwamuye extended the conservatory orders initially issued on August 21, 2024, which had blocked her impeachment.
The judge stated that the extension aims to prevent a leadership vacuum and allow the court sufficient time to hear and determine the impeachment case.
“The conservatory orders issued by this court on August 21, 2024, are confirmed and extended for 120 days, during which the petitioner shall continue serving as the Governor of Meru County. The judgement will be issued before the set period lapses,” ruled Justice Mwamuye.
Governor Mwangaza was impeached by the Meru County Assembly on August 8, with the Senate later upholding the decision. The charges against her included gross violation of the Constitution and breaches of the Public Officer Ethics Act.
One of the charges involved the alleged irregular payment of emergency call allowances to 161 doctors and medical officers, using incorrect rates that led to excess payments totaling Ksh74.34 million. Additionally, she was accused of using a manual payroll system to disburse personnel emoluments amounting to Ksh102.94 million, representing 3.1% of personnel costs.
Another accusation centered on the employment of a bloated workforce, with 111 personal staff hired in the Governor’s office. This reportedly contributed to an increase in the wage bill by more than Ksh500 million, pushing the total wage bill to 49% of the county’s annual revenue allocation—far exceeding the 35% limit stipulated by law.
The case now moves forward as the court seeks to resolve the matter within the 120-day timeframe.
