Fresh allegations have emerged regarding the impeachment process of Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, with claims that well connected United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party officials played a role in orchestrating her ouster.
These accusations were made during the ongoing proceedings, as the governor once again finds herself facing impeachment for the third time.
During the hearing before the Senate plenary, Advocate Elias Mutuma, representing Governor Mwangaza, raised concerns about the involvement of political leadership in Meru in the impeachment process.
He highlighted the governor's previous defence, which centered on claims of being targeted by political forces within the county.
"The governor was here last year, and she's here again this year, and her defence has always been that she's being targeted by the political leadership of Meru," Mutuma stated.
He then asked whether there was any evidence of political influence in the current process.
In a startling revelation, Evans Mawira, the Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Mitunguu Ward in South Imenti Constituency, confirmed the involvement of UDA officials in the impeachment efforts.
"That is the position," Mawira responded when asked about the political forces behind the impeachment.
He further elaborated, "After the political leadership in Meru felt that the governor had gone rogue, MCAs were mobilized along party lines, and the first party to do that was the UDA party."
Mawira went on to detail a meeting where he was personally contacted by the UDA party coordinator.
"I was personally called by the UDA party coordinator, we met with the chair of MPs' Caucus, Hon. Rindikiri and Hon. Kathuri Murungi, and we made a decision that we have to communicate to other UDA members that it is the position of the party that we have to withdraw all the support for the governor," he stated.
The involvement of the ruling party, UDA, in particular, adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing saga in Meru County, considering the embattled county boss was elected on an independent party ticket.
Governor Mwangaza, who has consistently denied any wrongdoing, has maintained that her impeachment is politically motivated.
According to a program from the Senate, Tuesday, August 20 would be the last day of hearing from both parties and will resort to considering the evidence before giving a ruling on the proposal of removal from office of the governor by way of impeachment.
