Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza Impeached for Third Time Over Abuse of Office and Gross Misconduct
Meru County, Kenya – August 8, 2024 – Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has been impeached for the third time in a dramatic vote that saw 40 out of 69 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) back the ouster motion. The impeachment motion, citing abuse of office, gross misconduct, and gross violation of the law, passed with a significant majority, while three MCAs absconded from the session.
The Motion and the Grounds for Impeachment
The impeachment motion was tabled by Abogeta West MCA Dennis Kiogora, who accused Governor Mwangaza of various offenses that, in his words, “have rendered her unfit to continue holding public office.” Among the charges were allegations of nepotism, misuse of public funds, and the unilateral dismissal of county officials without due process.
“The Governor has consistently undermined the rule of law and engaged in actions that have put this county at risk,” Kiogora stated during the debate. “We cannot continue to allow one person to derail the progress we have fought so hard to achieve. This assembly has a duty to protect the people of Meru from leaders who fail to adhere to the principles of accountability and transparency.”
Proceedings at the County Assembly
The impeachment debate, which lasted several hours, was marked by heated exchanges and impassioned speeches from both supporters and opponents of the motion.
“We have given Governor Mwangaza more than enough chances to correct her ways, but it has become clear that she is unwilling or unable to change,” said North Imenti MCA Wilfred Mutuma, who supported the motion. “The evidence against her is overwhelming, and it is our duty to act in the best interest of our constituents.”
However, not all MCAs were in favor of the motion. Some argued that the Governor had been unfairly targeted due to political differences and personal vendettas.
“This is nothing more than a witch hunt,” declared Mikinduri MCA Pamela Mugambi, who opposed the impeachment. “Governor Mwangaza has made mistakes, yes, but this assembly should not be used as a tool to settle scores. Let us not forget the will of the people who elected her.”
Despite such objections, the motion was carried by a significant majority, with 40 MCAs voting in favor, 26 opposing, and 3 choosing to abscond from the vote altogether.
Governor Kawira Mwangaza’s Response
Governor Kawira Mwangaza has fiercely denied the allegations against her and vowed to challenge the impeachment in court. In a statement released shortly after the vote, she described the impeachment as “a blatant abuse of the democratic process” and accused her political opponents of orchestrating a “coup against the people of Meru.”
“This impeachment is a farce and a travesty of justice,” Mwangaza said. “I have always acted in the best interest of the people of Meru, and I will not be deterred by these baseless accusations. I will fight this with everything I have, and I am confident that the truth will prevail.”
Mwangaza further argued that the impeachment was part of a broader scheme to undermine her administration, which she claimed had made significant strides in improving the lives of Meru residents.
Next Steps
The impeachment will now be forwarded to the Senate for consideration. If the Senate upholds the decision of the County Assembly, Mwangaza will be permanently removed from office. However, if the Senate finds the impeachment unjustified, she will be reinstated as Governor.
This marks the third time Governor Mwangaza has faced impeachment since taking office, reflecting the deep divisions within Meru’s political landscape. Her previous impeachments were overturned by the Senate, but it remains to be seen whether she will once again survive this latest challenge.
The coming days are likely to be crucial for Governor Mwangaza’s political future as the Senate prepares to deliberate on the County Assembly’s decision. In the meantime, Meru County remains in a state of uncertainty, with residents anxiously awaiting the outcome of this high-stakes political drama.
