Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has reinstated County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Finance Catherine Mutanu, days after dismissing her from office, following a High Court order suspending the implementation of the decision.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 13, Wavinya said the reinstatement complied with conservatory orders issued by the Machakos High Court staying Mutanu’s dismissal pending the hearing and determination of the case.
“As a law-abiding citizen, I respect the rule of law and will fully comply with the court order as the matter proceeds through the judicial process.
“I have therefore directed Hon. Catherine Mutanu to resume her duties as CECM for Finance with immediate effect, pending the hearing and determination of the case. I wish Hon Catherine Mutanu all the best as she discharges her duties,” the statement read in part.
Mutanu had moved to the Machakos High Court challenging her removal from office, naming Governor Wavinya and the Machakos County Government as respondents.
In her ruling, Justice Josephine Mongare directed the respondents to file their responses to the petition within seven days and issued conservatory orders suspending the governor’s decision to dismiss the finance executive.
“It is hereby ordered that in the interim, and pending the hearing and determination of this Application interpartes, this Honourable Court hereby does issue a conservatory order staying and/or suspending the implementation of the decision of the 1st Respondent contained in the letter dated July 6, 2026, vide which the 1st Respondent purported to dismiss the Petitioner/Applicant from her position as CECM for Finance, Economic Planning and Revenue Management,” the ruling read in part.
The case is scheduled for mention before the Machakos High Court on July 23, 2026, for further directions.
Justice Mongare further warned that any disobedience or failure to comply with the court orders would attract legal consequences for the governor and any other persons found to be in breach.
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Governor Wavinya had dismissed Mutanu on July 6, just hours before she was due to appear before a committee of the Machakos County Assembly to respond to an impeachment motion.
According to Mua Ward MCA Francis Mwaniki Ngunga, Mutanu had initially appeared before the relevant committee on July 3, where she requested additional time to prepare her defence against allegations contained in an impeachment motion sponsored by Mbiuni MCA Peter Kilonzo.
She was expected to return before the committee on July 6 for the hearing. However, before the proceedings could commence, the governor terminated her appointment through a dismissal letter.
Following the dismissal, County Secretary and Head of Public Service Muya Ndambuki formally notified the Speaker of the Machakos County Assembly of the governor’s decision.
Ngunga later said the Assembly committee would not proceed with the impeachment process since the governor’s dismissal of Mutanu had effectively rendered the motion moot.
With the High Court now suspending that dismissal, Mutanu will continue serving as Finance CECM pending the determination of her petition.
