The Meru High Court has referred the impeachment motion against Meru County Governor Kawira Mwangaza to Njuri Ncheke, the traditional council of elders, for alternative dispute resolution. This move comes amid growing tensions and legal battles surrounding Mwangaza’s administration, and it marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing political drama in Meru County.
Court Proceedings and Referral
According to court documents obtained by Citizen Digital, the Meru High Court has mandated Governor Mwangaza and her legal team to appear before Njuri Ncheke on Wednesday, July 31. The traditional council has been tasked with resolving the dispute through mediation or arbitration. Njuri Ncheke has been given a deadline of three weeks from Monday, July 29, to submit their resolution or indicate the lack thereof.
The ruling on the impeachment motion has been postponed until August 20, giving Njuri Ncheke time to deliberate on the matter. This decision effectively pauses the ongoing impeachment proceedings and introduces an alternative approach to resolving the conflict.
Background and Political Context
The impeachment motion against Governor Mwangaza was initially brought forward by Zipporah Kinya, a Nominated Member of the Meru County Assembly and Deputy Leader of the Majority Party. Kinya’s motion accuses Mwangaza of gross constitutional violations, misconduct, and abuse of office. Specific allegations include illegal appointments and dismissals, financial misconduct, and misleading the public. A notable accusation is that Mwangaza revoked the appointment of CPA Virginia Kawira Miriti as Secretary/CEO of the Meru County Public Service Board without proper legal authority.
The impeachment motion has been a contentious issue, with Mwangaza and her supporters claiming that the move is politically motivated and driven by her detractors. In response, Mwangaza filed a petition challenging the motion, arguing that it is part of a broader scheme to undermine her administration.
Court Order and Assembly Reactions
On Wednesday, a High Court order temporarily halted the Meru County Assembly’s debate on the impeachment motion. The court’s intervention has paused the proceedings and provided a window for alternative dispute resolution through Njuri Ncheke.
Meru County Assembly Speaker Ayub Bundi addressed the assembly on Thursday, urging members to comply with the court’s ruling. Bundi emphasized the importance of adhering to legal procedures and upholding fairness during court trials. His statement underscores the assembly’s obligation to respect the court’s authority and the alternative dispute resolution process.
Implications and Next Steps
The referral to Njuri Ncheke introduces a traditional and culturally significant element into the legal proceedings. Njuri Ncheke’s involvement reflects the integration of customary dispute resolution mechanisms within the formal legal system. The outcome of this mediation process could have far-reaching implications for both Governor Mwangaza and the political landscape of Meru County.
As the case progresses, the focus will be on how Njuri Ncheke addresses the allegations and whether their resolution will be accepted by all parties involved. The deferral of the ruling to August 20 provides time for comprehensive deliberation and underscores the complex nature of political and legal conflicts in Kenya.
This development highlights the evolving nature of governance and dispute resolution in Kenya, blending traditional and modern approaches to address political controversies. As the situation unfolds, the eyes of Meru County and the broader political community will remain on the proceedings, awaiting a resolution that balances legal principles with cultural traditions.
