Storm as Kuria Clashes with Senators Over Kawira Mwangaza Impeachment

Public Service Cabinet Secretary (CS) Moses Kuria on Wednesday November 8 clashed with Senators over the impeachment motion against Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza.

Taking to his X account, CS Kuria listed 12 Senators, including Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, and warned them against being misled in the motion tabled before the Senate floor.

“Stop it, you can see from evidence that you are being misled,” said Kuria below the list.

In retaliation, Senator Cheruiyot questioned whether CS Kuria is ready to fight with parliament.

“Are you really sure you want a fight with parliament and parliamentarians now?” posed the Kericho Senator.

Kuria Full List

Other Senators in the list included Jackson Mandago, (Uasin Gishu)  and Hillary Kiprotich Sigei (Bomet).

Further, the CS warned Senator Alexander Mundigi (Embu), Samson Cherargei (Nandi), Seki Lenku Ole Kanar (Kajiado) and Fatuma Dullo (Isiolo).

“In this age and time, a sane person can depend on the affidavit of one Salesio Mutuma Thuranira and hope to impeach a Governor?” asked Kuria.

Also in Kuria’s list is Abdul Haji (Garissa), Kamau Murango (Kirinyaga), Wahome Wamatinga (Nyeri), Kathuri Murungi (Meru), Enoch Wambua Kiio (Kitui) and Moses Kajwan’g (Homabay).

Senators go after CS 

Nairobi Senator Edwin Senator urged Speaker Amason Kingi to act against Kuria’s remarks targeting the evidence presented before the Senate on the impeachment motion.

“Mr. speaker what was most hurtful is that even after your communication, the CS who ordinarily should be asleep has the audacity to fire off another tweet on material that was presented before this house,” said Sifuna.

Further, Sifuna asked President William Ruto to remove Kuria from his position arguing that he is a shame to the Kenya Kwanza government.

“One of the things I ask myself is just how much embarrassment does President William Ruto have the capacity to endure, and I can assure you that if nothing is done against CS Kuria, there is more embarrassment coming,” said Sifuna.

Homabay Senator Moses Kajwan’g called on CS Kuria for using social media to demean the Senate.

In addition, Kanjwan’g urged Speaker Kingi to summon the CS before the senate to save the image of the Senate.

“If Kuria’s conduct was to be considered, it falls within the threshold of impeachment. If he were a governor and brought to this house, he would definitely be impeached,” said Sifuna.

Also, Kajwan’g asked the Members of the National Assembly to take serious judicial notice of the conduct of the CS.

“Senator Cheruiyot, you have got the ear of the president who is the appointing authority, go and tell him that CS Kuria is a shame to the government, Kenya and the entire East Africa,” said Kajwang.

Also Read: Why Moses Kuria Missed Gachagua’s Cabinet Meeting

Keep off Meru, CS told 

Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi warned CS Kuria to keep off the affairs of Meru County and concentrate on his role as CS.

“I urge the National Assembly Majority Leader to start processing an impeachment motion against CS Kuria. After this process, I would request that Kuria be summoned to the Senate so that we can discipline him,” said Murungi.

Senator Cherargei slammed CS Kuria and his Transport counterpart Kipchumba Murkomen for disrespecting anyone including the government.

The vocal Senator said Kuria insults and belittles people on social media while Murkomen demeans elected leaders at funerals.

“Kuria insults people only in tweets, but Murkomen is worse he takes the mic and bullies, insults and demeans the people and elected leaders even in funerals! The appointing authority must reign in on these rogue cabinet Secretaries,” said Cherargei.

Kuria Dismisses Evidence

Additionally, Kuria explained that the accusations against Mwangaza cannot form grounds for impeachment of a governor.

“I have studied carefully the issues presented against Governor Kawira. The most serious offence is that she does what Kukuyus call Kuangalia watu manyiira (looking down upon people). That offence can take you to hell but not to jail. Certainly not a ground for Impeachment,” he said.

Also Read: Kawira Mwangaza Among Best Performing Governors in Latest Ranking

Mwangaza Impeachment

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi chaired a sitting on Tuesday, November 7, to debate Mwangaza’s impeachment.

Governor Mwangaza who was present at the Senate, is represented by a legal team of eight lawyers led by Elisha Ongoya and Elias Mutuma.

Other members of her team are Duncan Okubasu, Robert Mutembei, Bridah Kimathi, Batista Mwirigi, Anthony Mwenda, Collins Mwenda and Brainlee Maingi.

Besides, the governor will know her fate on Wednesday, November 8, as senators will vote either to uphold her impeachment or dismiss the accusations.

MCAs Motion 

Meru Members of County Assembly (MCAs) voted to impeach Governor Mwangaza after a heated debate on October 25.

The governor faced seven counts including misuse of public resources, contempt of court, nepotism, and bullying.

Mwangaza will be relying on the Senators to save her for the second time since being elected as governor.

In December 2022, Governor Mwangaza was saved by a senate Committee led by Senator Boni Khalwale.