Meru Governor Kawira Denies Paying Husband Sh1.2 Million for Performance at Her Inauguration

Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has denied reports that her husband Murega Baichu was paid Sh1.2 million for his performance during her swearing-in ceremony last Thursday.

Reports circulating on social media claimed that Baichu, who is a musician, received the payment from the Meru county government after entertaining guests during his wife’s inauguration.

But in a statement, the new Meru governor termed the reports as propaganda peddled by her political rivals, stating that her husband performed for free.

“Clarification on lies being peddled by our political enemies. My husband Murega Baichu was not contracted for performance nor was he paid even a single shilling during my swearing-in Ceremony,” Kawira said.

Kawira further noted that she will appreciate her husband once she receives her first salary. “But when I receive my first month salary nitamnunulia zawadi.”

In his performance, Baichu poured praises on his wife with guitar tunes while expressing confidence that she will deliver her promises to Meru residents.

“The people of Meru know that she will deliver and that is why they voted her in against two strong waves…they have so much confidence in mama and she loves them because she knows what their problems are,” Baichu said.

Kawira, who previously served as the Meru Woman Representative, won the gubernatorial race after defeating incumbent Kiraitu Murungi (Devolution Empowerment Party) and Senator Mithika Linturi (UDA).

Contesting on an independent ticket, she garnered 209,148 votes ahead of her closest competitor Senator Linturi who came in second with 183,859 votes. Kiraitu emerged third with 110,814 votes.

Kawira, who is also a bishop at Baite Family Fellowship Church, is the first woman Governor of Meru County since the onset of devolution in 2013.