A Nairobi court today, Wednesday, December 18, dismissed the Senate’s application to set aside the interim orders staying the impeachment of Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza.
In his ruling, Justice Bahati Mwamuye extended the stay orders by 120 days, allowing Mwangaza to continue serving until her petition challenging her impeachment is heard and determined.
"I shall in this ruling confirm and extend the interim (conservatory) orders for a period of 120 days from the date hereof and in that time, the petitioner shall continue to serve as the governor of Meru county with a provision that a judgement in this matter may be rendered before the lapse of those 120 days on the date hereof," said Mwamuye.Mwamuye argued that setting aside the orders would lead to a gubernatorial succession in Meru pending the conclusion of the impeachment proceedings.
He raised concerns about how the transition would be affected if Kawira wins the case against her impeachment.
The judge also said lifting the stay orders would create a leadership vacuum in the county, crippling operations.
