By Samuel Owino.
The fate of the besieged Meru governor, Kawira Mwangaza, will be decided by the senate plenary instead of the senate committee.
This came after a heated afternoon session on Tuesday in which a motion to create a senate committee was defeated.
“The impeachment motion against Kawira Mwangaza, Governor of Meru County, brought to the Senate by the County Assembly of Meru will be heard and determined by way of a Plenary,” ruled Senate Speaker Amason Kingi.
The motion to have a senate committee was moved by Narok senator, Ledama Ole Kina. He argued that the committee way was better for the governor and her people, and thorough.
“I don’t care how people will vote but I want to pass with you that a committee route will give you and myself an opportunity to read a report already investigated by the committee,” Ole Kina proposed.
The proposed 11 member committee would have included; Boni Khalawale (Kakamega), Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu), Karungo Thangwa (Kiambu), Esther Okenyuri (Nominated), Ali Roba (Mandera), Peris Tobiko (Nominated), Enock Wambua (Kitui), Abdul Haji (Garissa), Okiya Omtatah (Busia), Crystal Asike (Nominated) and Shakila Abdala (Nominated).
On the other hand, led by Senate Majority Leader, Aaron Cheruiyot opposed the motion to have a senate committee and instead voted for the plenary way. In a plenary, the governor will defend herself before all the senators.
“There is no method that is better than the other and anybody trying to peddle that kind of argument in my opinion, Mr Speaker, is misleading the House. I say this as a ranking member,” Aaron Cheruiyot says.
The governor faces seven charges levelled against her that will take ten day trial period.
Should the senate uphold the motion, Kawira shall cease to hold office. According to section 182 of the Constitution, if a vacancy occurs, the deputy governor shall assume office for the remainder of Mwangaza’s term.