Meru governor Kawira Mwangaza has in a significant political reprieve, emerged unscathed from a second impeachment bid in less than a year after senators on Wednesday evening voted to save her against an impeachment motion passed by MCAs in Meru county assembly.
The senators, in a majority decision, voted to quash the impeachment charges that had been levelled against the governor thereby disapproving of a motion passed by Meru MCAs to kick her out of office.
The House, during a plenary session that lasted hours into Wednesday evening, rejected all seven charges put forward by the Meru MCAs against the governor.
In the wake of the Senate’s decision, Speaker Amason Kingi declared, “The Senate has not upheld any of the impeachment charges and therefore the senate has failed to remove governor Kawira Mwangaza by impeachment and thus the governor accordingly continues to hold office.”
The allegations levelled against governor Mwangaza included accusations of misuse of county funds, nepotism, bullying, and improper appointments.
It was also claimed that she engaged in fraudulent activities involving relatives, made unjustifiable claims for services, and compensated non-working officials.
The MCAs had argued that the county boss inappropriately placed family members in county positions, including on foreign trips, and had defied legal procedures and court orders, notably by unlawfully naming a road after her husband.
Facing the Senate before the vote, Governor Mwangaza pleaded for leniency and the opportunity to mend fences.
“I pray that you give me a second chance. Given another chance I will try my best to bring all Members of County Assembly (MCAs) together and other leaders from Meru. Indeed, I need MCAs to deliver my mandate and so, we need to work together to make the people of Meru happy,” the county boss told senators.
Highlighting the stakes involved, the Senate Speaker reminded the senators of their responsibility and the implications of their votes.
“Honourable Senators, you will vote seven times since the charges brought to the house are seven, and in case one charge is substantiated, Governor Kawira ceases to be the governor of Meru.”
Ultimately, the collective votes confirmed governor Mwangaza’s continued governance, dismissing the suite of accusations against her.
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