The Senate on Tuesday upheld the impeachment of Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza on Wednesday, August 20, marking the end of her tenure as the county's chief executive.
The decision was reached following a vote in the Senate, with Speaker Amason Kingi announcing the outcome.
"Pursuant to Article 181 of the Constitution, Section 33 of the County Government Act, and Standing Order 86 of the Senate Standing Orders, the Senate has resolved to remove from office by impeachment Hon. Kawira Mwangaza, the Governor of Meru County, and the governor accordingly ceases to hold office," Speaker Kingi declared after the voting.
The removal of Governor Mwangaza from office triggers a chain of constitutional procedures outlined in Kenya's governance framework.
As per the Constitution, Meru Deputy Governor Mutuma M'Ethingia is set to assume the position of county governor for the remainder of the term.
The Constitution provides clear guidelines for such a transition.
If a vacancy occurs in the office of county governor, the deputy governor automatically steps in to serve as the county governor for the remainder of the term.
According to Article 182(3) of the Constitution, the deputy governor, upon assuming office, is deemed to have served a full term as county governor if more than two and a half years remain before the next regularly scheduled election.
In cases where both the governor and deputy governor positions are vacant, or if the deputy governor is unable to act, the Speaker of the county assembly is mandated to act as county governor.
In such a scenario, an election for the office of county governor must be held within sixty days after the Speaker assumes office.
With the Senate's decision now final, all eyes turn to Deputy Governor Mutuma M'Ethingia as he prepares to take on the mantle of leadership in Meru County.
His tenure will be closely watched as he steps into a role that comes with both opportunities and challenges, more importantly, how he will relate with Senators.
As per the constitutional provisions, unless removed from office, he will serve as the governor until the next election is held under Article 180(1).
This transition marks a new chapter for Meru County, with the incoming governor expected to steer the county through the remainder of the current term while addressing the pressing institutional issues that led to the impeachment of his predecessor.
