MCAs opposed to Governor Kawira Mwangaza have been dealt a blow after a High Court in Meru, led by Justice Linus Kassan, directed the Njuri Njeke Supreme Council of Elders to mediate the impeachment dispute between Meru Governor and the County Assembly of Meru.
This decision follows a Notice of Motion filed on July 25, 2024.
In the court order, Justice Linus Kassan directed the Elders to submit their resolution within three weeks, and the involved parties to appear before them by July 31, 2024.
Justice Kassan’s orders include several key directives aimed at promoting alternative dispute resolution (ADR). The court granted the specific prayers (c) and (d) mentioned in the Notice of Motion. Additionally, the court mandated that the relevant parties be served with the orders by the end of the business day.
The Njuri Njeke Supreme Council of Ameru Elders has been ordered to submit their resolution, or lack thereof, on the dispute between the parties as directed by the President of the Republic of Kenya.
This submission is due within three weeks from the issuance of the order. Furthermore, the court directed that the parties, along with their advocates, appear before the Njuri Njeke Elders by Wednesday, July 31, 2024. To promote active ADR, the court deferred its ruling to August 20, 2024.
The court emphasized the importance of adhering to these orders, issuing a penal notice warning that any disobedience or non-observance would result in penal consequences for the violators.
Governor Mwangaza has been facing significant political challenges, with this being the fourth attempt to impeach her. The court’s directive offers a potential path towards a negotiated resolution.
In a move that seems to welcome the dialogue approach the governor has said this in her official Facebook page,”Come Now, Let us Reason Together. God Receive all the Glory.” The next steps in the process will be closely monitored, with the Njuri Njeke Elders’ findings and the subsequent court ruling on August 20, 2024, expected to play crucial roles in determining the outcome of this high-stakes political dispute.
