Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has, for the second time, managed to avoid removal from office through impeachment.
Despite facing seven charges presented by the County Assembly of Meru, a majority of the 47 Senators voted against the motion to eject her from office.
Among the charges were accusations of misappropriating county resources, nepotism, unethical practices, bullying and vilifying other leaders. She was also charged with usurping statutory powers, contempt of court, and illegally naming a public road after her husband.
The Senators deliberated on each count during a two-day-long hearing, culminating in a midnight vote on Wednesday, November 09.
The first charge, misappropriation of county resources, saw 19 Senators in favor of removal and 28 in support of Governor Mwangaza. For the second charge of nepotism and unethical practices, five Senators found her guilty while 42 disagreed with the accusation.
On the count of bullying, vilification, and diminishing other leaders, three Senators found her guilty, while 44 deemed her innocent. The charge of making illegal appointments and usurping statutory powers resulted in a nearly equal division, with 20 Senators voting guilty and 27 upholding her innocence.
Regarding Contempt of Court, only three Senators found her guilty, with 44 voting in her favor. The accusation of illegally naming a public road after her husband saw four Senators supporting removal, while 43 rejected the charge.
Finally, 10 Senators found her guilty of Contempt of the County Assembly, with 27 considering the ground unsubstantiated.
Mwangaza to continue holding office
Following the vote, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi declared, “The Senate has not upheld any of the impeachment charges.”
As per constitutional provisions and Senate standing orders, Governor Mwangaza continues to hold office.
This marks the second time Governor Mwangaza has survived removal attempts by Meru County MCAs. She had previously been impeached in December 2022. However, a Senate Special Committee found none of the charges proven.
Before the Senate’s decision, Governor Mwangaza, in a humble plea, asked for forgiveness and a second chance. Expressing regret for her conduct towards members of the County Assembly, MPs, and Senators, she prayed for strength and grace to serve the people of Meru.
“I was elected as an independent governor, I know I need MCAs. I have tried my best and still continue to try my best to see that I work with everyone. No one is an angel, I am not an angel. It is my prayer to God that the weaknesses that they may have, God will help me so that as we work together as a team and make Meru people happy,” she said.
“Thank you, and I pray that you give me a second chance.”
Will there be a third time…or is this the end of the drama in Meru, only time will tell.
