By Samuel Owino.
Embattled Meru Governor, Kawira Mwangaza, was impeached on Wednesday, 25 October, for the second time in 10 months.
The motion was filed by County Assembly majority leader, Evans Mawira and supported by 59 out of 69 MCAs who were present during the motion.
“At this juncture, it is my pleasure to announce the ayes have it. The motion has passed and the governor stands impeached by the County Assembly of Meru,” Meru County Assembly Speaker Ayub Bundi declared.
Governor Mwangaza has previously been charged with several violations that include nepotism, embezzlement and misappropriation of county funds among others.
Her defence team, led by lawyer Danstan Omari and Elias Mutuma, have put on a spirited fight to absolve the governor of the accusations against her. Mr Omari also claimed that the person they want to impeach does not exist. He claims that the name the MCAs used in the public participation exercise was Bishop Faith Kawira Mwangaza which is not her, governor Mwangaza.
“Who is that person? You were present when she was being sworn in by the Judiciary. There was nobody sworn in by the Judiciary called Bishop Kawira Faith Mwangaza. We have the Judiciary certificates here,” Omari stated.
Governor Kawira had turned to the court of Appeal in Nyeri to stop the Meru County Assembly from debating her impeachment motion. Unfortunately on Wednesday morning, the Court of Appeal denied the request and said that it would rule on the matter on Friday, 27 October, 2023.
The first attempt to impeach her, in December 2022, barely 3 months in office, was saved by the Senate that did not uphold her impeachment. Her fate once again lies in the hands of the senate. If the senate upholds the impeachment, a by-election would be held to appoint a new governor.
Several leaders including CS Moses Kuria and Governor Ann Waiguru have come out to sympathize with the governor. “Governor Kawira’s impeachment is very unfortunate. This is a sad day for women in leadership seeing a woman governor being a constant target by people who don’t think she is qualified enough to lead the great county of Meru.” Millicent Omanga stated on her X platform.
“I stand with you my sister Governor Kawira Mwangaza. It’s darkest before dawn. Look to the Hills from whence your help comes from. There is God in Heaven.” Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru also stated on X account.