Meru Members of County Assembly (MCAs) have unanimously voted to impeach embattled Governor Kawira Mwangaza again.
After a heated debate on Wednesday, October 25, the MCAs took a vote, with all the 59 members present voting in favour of the motion to kick out Mwangaza.
The MCAs proceeded with the proceedings after the Court of Appeal declined to stop the assembly from proceeding with the impeachment motion.
On Monday, October 23, the MCAs completed mandatory public participation hearings in nine sub-counties and retreated to write a final report that was tabled before the assembly.
Lawyer Danstan Omari representing Governor Kawira Mwangaza argued that the MCAs conducted a public participation exercise that did not comply with the law.
The governor faced 7 counts including misuse of public resources, nepotism, bullying and contempt of court.
Also Read: Kawira Mwangaza Impeachment Motion Approved
Accusations Against Kawira Mwangaza
Mwangaza was accused by the MCAs of failing to provide effective leadership since becoming the county boss.
Additionally, they warned her against evoking sympathy and using the gender card and spiritual narrative to stir emotions.
Also Read: Police Clarify Arresting Kawira Mwangaza
According to the politicians, the governor also failed to comply with the agreements made after she survived the first impeachment attempt.
“We express support for the impeachment of the governor for the best interest of the people of Meru County and commit ourselves without reservation to this course which we commence forth way,” stated one MCA while supporting the motion.
Further, the MCAs accused the governor of demeaning other leaders in the county and vilification.
First Impeachment Motion
In December 2022, Governor Mwangaza was saved by a senate committee.
The Committee, which was led by Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale, dismissed the impeachment allegations by Meru MCAs.
Later, the Deputy President (DP) Rigathi Gachagua intervened and reconciled the MCAs with governor Mwangaza.
Politicians react after Mwangaza impeachment
The impeachment of Govenor Kawira Mwangaza drew mixed reactions from leaders across the country, with some supporting the governor while others backed MCAs.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria threw his weight behind the embattled governor, describing the ouster as an evil scheme.
“I stand with Governor Kawira Mwangaza. This is an evil scheme by someone who thinks that the only way to be a Mt Kenya Kingpin is to bring down other leaders not to solve the problems of our people who are getting desperate by the day. History will vindicate me,” stated Kuria.
Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru, who is also the chair of Council of Governors, declared her support for Kawira Mwangaza.
“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,” Waiguru stated.
On her part, Millicent Omanga swiped the gender card, as she declared support for the embattled 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,” Omanga opined.