Former UDA Vice Chairman Kipruto Arap Kirwa has revealed that Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza rift with the Meru Members of County Assembly (MCAs) is partly because of her husband.
Appearing on KTN News, Kirwa said Murega Baichu, Mwangaza’s husband, provokes the Meru MCAs who try to punish the governor in return.
“Listening and following Meru County politics, the gentleman provokes individuals even more than the lady because I am told when he is singing with that guitar of his, he can call them names.
So, they want to punish the man but now they must do it through the governor making it is a bit complex,” said Kirwa.
Further, Kirwa advised that Baichu should regulate his appearance in the governor’s official functions.
“I hope the first gentleman of Meru County will also be able to slightly remove himself from appearing to be generally present whenever the governor is,” he said.
However, he said Governor Mwangaza should take note of the advice the senate gave him during her first impeachment attempt.
“I am happy that when she appeared before the Senate, she was able to acquit herself. She should just apply some of the advice the Senate gave her because she means well,” stated Kirwa.
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Meru Politics Effect
On the other hand, Kirwa also argued that the problem arises from the structure of the Meru County Assembly whose members belong to the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) led by President William Ruto and the Devolution Empowerment Party (DEP) led by former Governor Kiraitu Murungi.
“She ran on an independent ticket and many of the MCAs are either of the Kiraitu party or UDA. So, they do not want to accept her because they are still loyal to their root parties,” he said.
For this reason, Kirwa says Mwangaza has been trying to work closely with the president, but the agreement has not been arranged properly.
“When people do not fully accept you and you know that hostility does exist, it is very hard for her to also climb down,” said Kirwa.
Mwangaza Skips MCAs Summon
Governor Mwangaza failed to appear before the Meru County Assembly for the second time.
In a letter to the county assembly speaker, Governor Mwangaza said she is protected just as the president who is protected by law from appearing in parliament to address issues, except during impeachment proceedings and parliamentary speeches.
“Whereas section 39(2) of the County Governments Act No.17 of 2012 expressly provides that a committee may require a member of the executive to attend or appear before the committee, there is no corresponding provision in the entire Act imputing that a governor may be called to answer to questions relating to her responsibilities,” read part of the letter.
The Justice and Legal Affairs Committee (JLAC) had summoned her to respond to allegations raised by her deputy Isaac Mutuma and the County Public Service Board.
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Mwangaza Impeachment Motion
Mwangaza is facing a second impeachment motion one year after the 2022 general elections.
Thirty-three MCAs agreed to support the motion that seeks to throw out Governor Mwangaza.
The MCA’s accused Governor Mwangaza of failing to offer effective leadership since she became the county boss.
“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,” said one MCA supporting the motion.
Additionally, the 20 MCAs from Democratic Empowerment Party (DEP), 10 from Jubilee and 3 Nopeu party withdrew their support for Governor Mwangaza.
