The Senate has officially commenced the process of hearing the impeachment case against Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, with the first session dedicated to hearing from the Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) and their legal representatives.
On Monday, August 19, the Senate receded to a private sitting, out of media coverage to deliberate on private issues.
Sources close to the matter confirmed that MCAs who moved the impeachment motion and their legal counsel are presenting their case to the Senate on Monday, August 19.
This latest impeachment is the third attempt against Governor Mwangaza.
The first impeachment was handled by a Senate committee while the second was brought before the Senate plenary.
This time, the governor's fate once again lies in the hands of the Senate plenary.
Lawyers Elisha Ongoya and Elias Mutuma, who previously represented Governor Mwangaza during her second impeachment, have returned to argue her case.
Mutuma, who has been involved in all three impeachment cases, will lead the governor's defence alongside a legal team that includes Bridah Kimathi, Robert Mutembei, Edgar Busienga, and Collins Mwenda.
On the other side, the Meru County Assembly has opted for a change in legal strategy.
The assembly, which had previously relied on lawyer Muthomi Thiankolu, has now engaged Ndegwa Njiru as the lead counsel for this impeachment process.
Njiru's legal team includes Mwangi Ndegwa, Mwirigi Eric Muriuki, Mwereru Boniface Mawira, Antony Mwenda, Ngure Benson Kinyua, Baptista Muriuki Kanyaru, and Linda Nkirote Kithinji.
The sponsors of the impeachment motion, Zipporah Kinyua, and Aurelio Murangiri Kiramana are expected to appear in person as part of the assembly's case against Governor Mwangaza.
Today's proceedings will see the advocates representing the County Assembly present their arguments on the Senate floor, laying out the reasons behind their push for the governor's removal.
Governor Mwangaza and her legal team are expected to take the floor tomorrow to present their defence.
