Controller of Budget denies Kathuri’s request to halt Mwangaza’s access to revenue fund
By Gerald Mukembu
The Controller of Budget, Margaret Nyakang’o, has rejected a request from Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi to prevent Governor Kawira Mwangaza from withdrawing funds from the County Revenue Fund.
Senator Murungi had urged Nyakang’o to restrict Mwangaza’s access, citing the Senate’s majority vote in favor of her impeachment as reason enough to block her financial transactions.
In her response, Nyakang’o explained that a High Court ruling temporarily halting Mwangaza’s removal allows the governor to maintain her position until further judicial decisions are rendered.
In a letter addressed to Senator Murungi on August 27, Nyakang’o stated, “The court order that suspends the Senate’s decision effectively enables Governor Mwangaza to remain in office.”
She continued, “As long as the court upholds this order, the Governor retains the authority to approve the Appropriation Bill and manage withdrawals from the Meru County Revenue Fund.”
This legal situation has created an unusual scenario in which an impeached governor, whose leadership is widely challenged, continues to wield executive power.
Mwangaza, who faced her third impeachment on August 21, was found guilty on all charges, including serious constitutional violations and abuse of office.
Despite the Senate’s overwhelming vote for her removal during a late-night session, the High Court’s intervention has allowed her to remain in office for the time being.
The court is set to review the case on September 17, 2024, to assess adherence to its orders and possibly schedule further proceedings.
The situation has led to significant unrest, with residents across the county protesting for Mwangaza’s immediate resignation.
Tensions escalated outside the county government offices on Tuesday, where demonstrators accused the governor of unlawfully remaining in power.
Police were compelled to use tear gas to disperse the crowd after fires were ignited outside the building.
The ongoing crisis in Meru underscores deep divisions within the county, as legal disputes regarding Mwangaza’s impeachment overshadow effective governance.
The High Court’s decision to stay her removal has not only prolonged political turmoil but also raised concerns about judicial influence over executive matters.
Supporters of Meru Deputy Governor Mutuma M’Ethingia have taken to the streets for the second consecutive day in various town centers, demanding that Governor Kawira Mwangaza vacate her office.
Dominic Kirimi, a youth leader in Meru, asserted that Mwangaza does not represent the will of the people.
He questioned why Mwangaza continues to arrive at her office early in the morning when it is widely acknowledged that the acting governor is Mutuma M’Ethingia, as per the Senate’s declaration.
He further stated, “For Meru to unite, Mwangaza must go. If we want development, she has to leave. Doctors should return to their duties instead of protesting; Mwangaza must step down. We will take further action within the next 10 days if the law remains unclear.”
Paul Kailemia shared that many residents of Meru are unaware of the true implications of the Senate and court orders.
“If everyone is protesting against your rule, how could you expect to have respect? She is a former governor—a real village drama queen. Gather your things and leave; we have no interest in you. We are not crazy; we are simply tired. There are no bursaries, and women’s groups are suffering. Everyone is struggling,” he expressed.
