Mwangaza to appeal impeachment as activist seeks to stop Mutuma's swearing in

Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza and her spouse Murega Baichu at the Milimani Law Courts on March 14, 2025, during the judgment of her petition challenging Senate impeachment at the Nairobi Milimani courts on 14th March 2025. [David Gichuru, Standard]

Impeached Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has said that she is planning to appeal a court decision that affirmed her impeachment.

Speaking exclusively to The Standard, Mwangaza confirmed her intentions not to give up her fight over the leadership of Meru County.

The embattled county head suffered a major blow when the High Court upheld the Senate's decision to impeach her.

Justice Bahati Mwamuye, on Friday, March 14, ruled that her impeachment was lawful per the Constitution.

Mwamuye affirmed the Senate’s decision, clearing the way for the governor's removal from office.

"The amended petition dated December 23, 2024, has not met the required legal threshold for this court to disturb the decision of the Senate," the judge ruled.

He dismissed Mwangaza's petition challenging her ouster for lack of merit.

Activist Michael Makarina, one of Mwangaza’s staunch supporters, has filed a petition to Chief Justice Martha Koome, asking her not to appoint a judge to preside over the swearing in Meru Deputy Governor Isaac Mutuma.

This is after the Assumption of Office Committee announced in a gazette notice  dated March 14 that the ceremony will take place at Mwendantu Grounds in Meru County on Monday, March 17.

Makarina based his plea on Section 11 (2) of the Assumption of Office of the Governor Act 2019 that provides that the swearing in ceremony is to be conducted on the first Thursday after the 10th day following the declaration of the election.

"The timeline stipulated for the swearing in ceremony, being 10 days, began counting from Friday, March 14 when the judgment was delivered and the gazette notice affirmed," he argued.

The activist said any judicial officer who will participate in the planned Monday event will be participating in an illegality and "should be personally held liable in accordance with the law".

Makarina added; "I write this letter well aware that it is your office that will nominate the judge to swear in the Deputy Governor as Governor and I trust the judiciary under your leadership will not participate in this glaring illegality especially when the judiciary is facing public criticism and outcry over corruption, bias and lack of independence."