NAIROBI, Kenya – The Controller of Budget (COB), Margaret Nyakang’o, has denied a request to bar Meru County Governor Kawira Mwangaza from withdrawing funds from the County Revenue Fund amid ongoing impeachment proceedings.
The request, made by Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi, sought to prevent Mwangaza from accessing county finances pending the outcome of her impeachment battle.
In a rebuttal, Nyakang’o stated that her office could not honor the Senator’s request due to a recent High Court ruling.
The court had temporarily halted Mwangaza’s removal from office, citing substantial legal concerns regarding both the procedure and substance of the Senate’s impeachment vote.
This decision has effectively reinstated Mwangaza’s authority as governor until further judicial review.
“This then means that the Governor has the capacity to assent to the Appropriation Bill as envisaged under Section 24(1)(a) of the County Governments Act,” Nyakang’o noted. “Consequently, in light of the Court orders and the Appropriations Act being assented into law, the office is unable to acquiesce to your request to not authorize withdrawal from the Meru County Revenue Fund.”
Governor Mwangaza faced her third impeachment attempt on August 21, during a late-night session that saw the Senate confirm all three charges against her.
The charges included gross violation of the Constitution and other laws, as well as abuse of office. The vote saw 26 senators affirming the first two charges, while the third charge of abuse of office had 27 senators in favor. Fourteen senators abstained from all the votes.
Despite the Senate’s decision, Mwangaza’s ouster was stayed following her legal challenge, with the High Court setting a hearing for September 17, 2024.
This session will determine the next steps, including reviewing compliance with the existing orders and scheduling a date to highlight written submissions.
The request, made by Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi, sought to prevent Mwangaza from accessing county finances pending the outcome of her impeachment battle.
In a rebuttal, Nyakang’o stated that her office could not honor the Senator’s request due to a recent High Court ruling.
The court had temporarily halted Mwangaza’s removal from office, citing substantial legal concerns regarding both the procedure and substance of the Senate’s impeachment vote.
This decision has effectively reinstated Mwangaza’s authority as governor until further judicial review.
“This then means that the Governor has the capacity to assent to the Appropriation Bill as envisaged under Section 24(1)(a) of the County Governments Act,” Nyakang’o noted. “Consequently, in light of the Court orders and the Appropriations Act being assented into law, the office is unable to acquiesce to your request to not authorize withdrawal from the Meru County Revenue Fund.”
Governor Mwangaza faced her third impeachment attempt on August 21, during a late-night session that saw the Senate confirm all three charges against her.
The charges included gross violation of the Constitution and other laws, as well as abuse of office. The vote saw 26 senators affirming the first two charges, while the third charge of abuse of office had 27 senators in favor. Fourteen senators abstained from all the votes.
Despite the Senate’s decision, Mwangaza’s ouster was stayed following her legal challenge, with the High Court setting a hearing for September 17, 2024.
This session will determine the next steps, including reviewing compliance with the existing orders and scheduling a date to highlight written submissions.
