Mwangaza Impeachment: Meru Governor to Know Her Fate Today as Senators Vote

Today, Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza will receive the verdict on her impeachment as senators gather to decide whether to uphold the charges or dismiss them.

Governor Mwangaza will have the chance to address the Senate before they reach a decision. In the recent session, the Meru MCAs passionately defended their case, seeking to convince the lawmakers that their decision to impeach Governor Mwangaza was warranted. Mr. Muthomi Thiankolu, who leads the legal team, characterized the governor as obstinate and uncooperative with fellow leaders. He emphasized that she has faced three impeachment motions in just a year, from November 2022 to October 2023.

In a plea to the senators, Mr Thiankolu urged them not to interfere once more, stressing that there has been a grave issue in Meru County for a whole year, with the people deserving improved governance. Governor Mwangaza is currently facing multiple allegations such as the misappropriation and improper use of county resources, favouritism, and other unethical behaviours. Furthermore, she has been accused of bullying, defaming, and belittling other leaders. Additional charges include unlawful appointments, assuming powers beyond her authority, disrespecting the court, naming a public road after her husband without authorization, and showing contempt towards the assembly.

Lawyer Marias Maranya argued that the bond between the governor and the people of Meru has irreparably shattered. On September 6, 2022, Control Board CEO Arimi Paul Mwaki recounted his experience of being compelled to take a leave. He disclosed that Baichu Murega, the husband of Ms Mwangaza, had issued a threat, forbidding his return to the office, in spite of a court order permitting him to do so. Seeking to reclaim his position, Mr Mwaki made a return to the office, accompanied by Joseph Mberia, the CEO of Meru Water and Sewerage Services, as well as John Ntoiti, the manager of the County Revenue Board. However, they were forcibly evicted from the premises.

Evans Mawira, the Assembly Majority Leader and the initiator of the impeachment motion provided further testimony, shedding light on the deteriorating relationship between the governor and her deputy, Isaac Mutuma. To represent Ms Mwangaza, a legal team consisting of eight lawyers and an assistant has been assembled. Leading the team will be Elisha Ongoya and Elias Mutuma. The remaining members include Duncan Okubasu, Robert Mutembei, Bridah Kimathi, Batista Mwirigi, Antony Mwenda, Collins Mwenda, and Brianlee Maingi. Furthermore, Ms Mwangaza has prepared a list of four witnesses, including herself, Nicholas Josphat, Arayaru Adrian, and Dickson Munene.

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna raised concerns about the basis of the impeachment proceedings, questioning why the MCAs relied on unresolved court matters. Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi expressed doubts about the governor’s involvement in human resource issues, noting that listing the governor as the third respondent in the court application might imply an admission of innocence.