More Woes for Meru Governor as MCAs Approve Impeachment Motion

Kawira Mwangaza
Governor Kawira Mwangaza speaks to the Meru County Assembly sergeant at arms on Wednesday, October 19, 2022.
Kawira Mwangaza

Meru members of County Assembly on Tuesday, November 22, approved  a motion seeking to impeach Governor Kawira Mwangaza from office. 

68 MCAs, out of the total 69, approved the motion tabled by  Abogeta West Ward MCA Denis Kiogora with members drawn from both the minority and majority sides uniting in the quest. 

The legislators accused Mwangaza of, among other counts, violation of the Constitution and flouting laws in the management of the county's affairs. 

Other allegations levelled against the governor were employing her kin and creating a toxic environment in the county, raising questions about her efficiency and reliability as Meru's Chief Executive Officer (CEO). 

 

Meru County Governor Kawira Mwangaza adresses a meeting with Meru County officials on November 4, 2022.
Meru County Governor Kawira Mwangaza addresses a meeting with Meru County officials on November 4, 2022.
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Kawira Mwangaza

The appointment of her husband, Murega Baichu, as Youth Patron and Hustlers' Ambassador was termed as irregular and a violation of the Constitution. 

According to Dennis Kiogora, the minority whip in the Meru County Assembly, the lack of harmony between the two arms of the government was detrimental to development in the county, hence necessitating her ouster. 

"The governor's continued stay in office under the prevailing toxic environment will inevitably undermine effective and efficient service delivery and thus hurt the interests of the people," the MCA stated while speaking to Nation. 

The impeachment motion culminated from a long push and pull between Mwangaza and MCAs since the former's ascension to power in August 2022. 

Barely a month into her tenure, Mwangaza was embroiled in a tussle with the county's legislative arm, with either side pointing accusing fingers. 

MCAs alleged that the county chief went against her promise to allocate funds for the Ward Development Fund.

However, the governor remained adamant that the implementation of the fund was not anchored in any law hence it was impossible to meet their demands. 

As the tension continued to escalate, elected leaders in the county, led by senator Kathuri Murungi, intervened to reconcile the two sides, albeit without success. 

Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang'o  (canter) and Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza (far right) during a meeting held on November 4, 2022.
Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang'o (canter) and Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza (far right) during a meeting held on November 4, 2022.
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Kawira Mwangaza