Meru County Governor Kawira Mwangaza can continue withdrawing funds from the County Revenue Fund after the Controller of Budget (COB) Margaret Nyakang'o denied a request to bar her from doing so.
This decision comes after Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi requested that Mwangaza be barred from accessing county funds due to her impeachment battle.
Nyakang'o declined the request, emphasizing that Mwangaza remains the duly elected governor as the High Court has temporarily halted her removal.
The governor had contested the Senate's impeachment vote, citing significant legal concerns, which led the court to intervene.
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Nyakang'o explained that, given the court’s orders and the fact that the Appropriations Act has been signed into law, the COB’s office is not in a position to deny the withdrawal request from the Meru County Revenue Fund.
She clarified that Mwangaza retains the authority to approve the Appropriation Bill, as provided under section 24(1)(a) of the County Governments Act.
Governor Mwangaza's third impeachment attempt on August 21 ended in a Senate vote that upheld all three charges against her. The first charge, involving a gross violation of the Constitution and other laws, saw 26 Senators voting in favor, four against, and 14 abstaining. The second charge followed a similar pattern, with 26 Senators supporting it, 2 opposing it, and 14 abstaining.
The third charge, which accused Mwangaza of abuse of office, resulted in 27 Senators voting for her removal, one voting against her, and 14 abstaining.
The High Court has temporarily stayed Mwangaza’s impeachment, with the case set for hearing on September 17, 2024.
During this hearing, the court will review compliance with its orders and set a date for presenting written submissions.
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