‘Their prayers have been answered’ – Kawira Mwangaza reacts after getting relief in court

Embattled Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has credited her supporters for throwing their weight behind her amid a court tussle regarding her future as the county boss after the Senate upheld her impeachment.

Addressing the press on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, Mwangaza indicated that despite pressure from some quotas, the court had handed her a reprieve to continue serving Meru residents for another 120 days.

The first time governor highlighted that the residents encouraged her through prayer petitions and words of affirmation which helped her get relief in court.

While appreciating her supporters, Mwangaza vowed to oblige to the court orders and directives in the next 120 days.

“I’m so happy today. I want to thank our courts and our people for their support…I believe that whatever God has given to that person, no one can take it from them,” Mwangaza stated.

Court order

Mwangaza’s response comes after the High Court extended the conservatory orders barring her removal from office for another 120 days.

The decision was a lifeline for the embattled Meru governor who has survived two impeachment attempts.

The High Court, while making the decision, indicated that it would allow for a full hearing to determine her objections to the impeachment.

“I shall in this ruling confirm and extend the interim (conservatory) orders for a period of 120 days from the date hereof, in that time, the petitioner shall continue to serve as the governor of Meru County with a provision that a judgment in this matter may be rendered before the lapse of those 120 days on the date hereof,” Justice Bahati Mwamuye ruled.

Justice Mwamuye further rejected an application by the Senate to lift the orders that would rubberstamp her dismissal from office.

On August 21, 2024, the Senate voted to uphold Mwangaza’s impeachment. Some 26 senators voted to uphold the first charge of gross violation of the Constitution and other laws while 14 others abstained while four voted in her favour.

On the second charge of gross misconduct, 26 senators voted in favour of her impeachment, two against, while 14 others abstained.

27 senators upheld the charge of abuse of office, one voted against and 14 abstained.