In a significant legal development, the High Court in Milimani, Nairobi, has temporarily suspended the Senate’s decision to impeach Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza.
The court’s ruling, delivered on August 21, 2024, followed an urgent application by the embattled governor, who is challenging her removal from office.
Governor Mwangaza’s petition, classified as urgent, presented what the court described as “constitutional, legal, and factual issues” that warranted immediate judicial intervention.
As a result, the court issued several key orders, including the suspension of the Senate’s resolution to remove her from office.
Additionally, the court restrained the Speaker of the Senate or any other authority from declaring or publishing the vacancy of the Governor’s office in the Kenya Gazette until the case is heard and determined.
The High Court has prioritized the hearing of this case, setting a strict timeline for the parties involved to file and respond to submissions.
The Senate and its Speaker, as respondents, have until August 28, 2024, to submit their response to Governor Mwangaza’s application.
The Governor will then have until September 4, 2024, to file her rejoinder, with the respondents required to submit their written submissions by September 11, 2024.
If necessary, the Governor has the option to file a final rejoinder by September 13, 2024.
The case is scheduled to be mentioned on September 17, 2024, for compliance confirmation and to set a date for the highlighting of written submissions.
The court also issued a penal notice, emphasizing the seriousness of the matter, and warned that any disobedience of its orders would result in legal consequences.
This ruling temporarily reinstates Governor Mwangaza to her position, pending the outcome of the ongoing legal battle.
