A mere seven days after Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza narrowly escaped a second impeachment in the Senate, the already strained relationship between the County Executive and the assembly remains fractured.
As the political dust appears to settle, a Meru resident named Michael Kibutha has taken the matter to the High Court, seeking to overturn the Senate’s decision.
Kibutha argues that Governor Mwangaza’s impeachment was procedurally flawed, citing gross violations of the Constitution.
Simultaneously, another resident, Henry Muriithi, has turned to President William Ruto, urging him to dissolve the Meru County government, deeming it “irretrievably broken and completely dysfunctional.”
Muriithi’s petition emphasizes that the deadlock has thwarted the goals of devolution outlined in Article 174 of the Constitution.
Governor Mwangaza has surprisingly welcomed the calls for dissolution, expressing her readiness to seek a fresh mandate from the electorate if it comes to that.
In a statement, she acknowledged the various organizations collecting signatures for dissolution and stated, “If that (dissolution) is how citizens will get help, I will support them.”
Defending her record, Governor Mwangaza, despite facing backlash from Members of the County Assembly and other leaders, asserted her diligence in serving the people.
She pointed out that she absorbed 72% of the budget amid challenges, and if re-elected, she believes it would be an endorsement from both God and the people.
The motion to impeach Mwangaza, which included accusations of misappropriation, nepotism, bullying, illegal appointments, and more, failed to gain Senate approval on November 8.
The ongoing legal and political turmoil underscores the complexity of the situation and raises questions about the future governance of Meru County.
