On Wednesday, December 18, Justice Bahati Mwamuye ruled against a Senate application seeking to overturn the stay orders, allowing Mwangaza to continue serving as governor for at least 120 more days.
Justice Mwamuye emphasized the importance of avoiding a leadership vacuum in Meru County, arguing that such a situation would disrupt essential county operations.
He stated that public interest required maintaining stability in governance while the governor's petition challenging her impeachment undergoes judicial review.
“Having analyzed the issues presented, it is my determination that the petitioner has met the legal threshold for granting and extending the conservatory orders,” the judge ruled.
He confirmed that the stay orders will remain in effect for 120 days unless the court delivers a final judgment on the matter before then.
The court’s decision means Governor Mwangaza will retain her position and continue discharging her duties while the legal process plays out.
The judge stressed that setting aside the orders at this stage could lead to an uncertain gubernatorial transition in Meru if Mwangaza ultimately prevails in the impeachment case.
This is the third time in two years that Mwangaza has faced impeachment attempts since taking office.
In 2022, she survived her first impeachment through a Senate committee decision.
A second attempt in November 2023 was also thwarted in the Senate’s plenary session.
The most recent impeachment proceedings came amid allegations of mismanagement and abuse of office.
However, Mwangaza’s legal team successfully argued that the charges lacked sufficient basis, resulting in the court issuing temporary conservatory orders earlier this year.
Justice Mwamuye’s latest ruling represents a continuation of this legal battle, providing Mwangaza with breathing room to defend her position.
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