The Meru High Court has rescheduled its decision regarding the petition to halt the impeachment of Governor Kawira Mwangaza, moving the ruling to August 20 to allow for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) talks.

Initially expected to rule today, the court’s decision will now be delayed, marking the fourth attempt to impeach Governor Mwangaza. Justice Linus Kassan announced the postponement to facilitate dialogue under the guidance of the Njuri Ncheke.

“In support of active ADR, the ruling is postponed to August 20, 2024,” stated Justice Kassan.

The Njuri Ncheke, the highest council of elders for the Meru people of Kenya, also serves a judicial function and represents the pinnacle of the Meru’s traditional governance structure.

The judge instructed both the Members of County Assembly (MCAs) and Governor Mwangaza to meet with the Njuri Ncheke Council and their legal representatives on Wednesday.

“The Njuri Ncheke Supreme Council of Ameru elders is advised to present their resolutions or note any lack thereof between the parties within three weeks,” directed the judge.

Governor Mwangaza, represented by lawyer Elias Mutuma, argued that the impeachment motion was a politically motivated attack by her opponents.

The Governor criticized the motion, noting that some of the cases presented as evidence were still pending in court. She suggested that external political forces were attempting to remove her from office due to political disagreements, as the county assembly is divided along political lines.

Justice Kassan, in deferring the ruling, emphasized the importance of a well-founded impeachment motion that serves the public interest, to avoid unnecessary and costly procedures. He reiterated that while the court respects the separation of powers, it must intervene if the process appears to waste taxpayer money