Nyakang'o declines Kathuri's request, okays Mwangaza to control Revenue Fund

The Controller of Budget has declined Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi's request to have Governor Kawira Mwangaza blocked from withdrawing money from County Revenue Fund.

Senator Kathuri Murungi had urgently urged Dr Margaret Nyakang’o to restrict Mwangaza’s access to the County Revenue Fund, arguing that the Senate’s majority vote for her impeachment should bar her from authorising financial transactions.

Dr Nyakang’o denied Mr Kathuri's request on grounds that a High Court ruling that temporarily blocked Mwangaza’s removal, allowed her to remain in office until further judicial decisions are made.

In a letter to Mr Murungi on Tuesday, Dr Nyakang’o explained, “The court order halting the Senate’s decision effectively allows Governor Mwangaza to stay in office.”

She continued, “As long as the court upholds this order, the Governor is authorised to approve the Appropriation Bill and manage withdrawals from the Meru County Revenue Fund.”

This legal predicament has resulted in an unusual situation where an impeached governor, whose leadership is widely contested, still holds executive power.

Ms Mwangaza, who faced her third impeachment on August 21, 2024, was convicted on all charges, including severe constitutional breaches and abuse of office.

Although the Senate overwhelmingly voted for her removal during a late-night session, the High Court’s intervention has kept her in office for now.

The court is scheduled to review the case on September 17, 2024, to evaluate adherence to its orders and potentially schedule further proceedings.

This has generated to discontent where residents are protesting in many parts of the county calling for Ms Mwangaza to step down immediately.

Tensions rose outside the county government offices on Tuesday, where protesters accused the embattled governor of ‘illegally’ remaining in office.

The police had to use teargas to disperse the crowd after fires were ignited outside the building.

The ongoing crisis in Meru highlights the deep divisions within the county, with the legal disputes over Ms Mwangaza’s impeachment overshadowing effective governance.

The High Court’s decision to stay her removal, has not only extended the political turmoil, but also raised concerns about the extent of judicial influence on executive matters.

Youths in Meru aligned to the Meru Deputy Governor Mutuma M'Ethingia took to the streets for the second day in different town centres, demanding that she vacates office.

Dominic Kirimi, a youths' President in Meru, said Governor Mwangaza is not the people's Governor.

He questioned why should Ms Mwangaza sneak into office early morning whereas Kenyans already know the only acting Governor is Mr M'Ethingia as per the Senate decision.

He added that the same way people refer to Mr Peter Munya and Mr Kiraitu Murungi as former governors, Ms Mwangaza stands to be a former Governor.

"For Meru to be United Mwangaza must go. If we want to live and get development Mwangaza must go. Doctors to go back to their duties not protesting, Mwangaza must go. We will take the next course of action in the next 10 days if the law is not explained," Mr Kirimi said.

Another resident, Mr Paul Kailemia said most of the Meru people are not aware about the real implications of Senate and court orders.

"If everyone is protesting against your regime, who do you think will have respect for you. She is a former Governor. She is truly a village drama queen. Take everything that belongs to you and leave. We have no interests in you. We are not crazy, we are tired of you. There are no bursaries. Women groups are suffering. Everyone is suffering," Mr Kailemia said.