In a dramatic Senate session late Tuesday night, Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza was removed from office after the chamber upheld all three charges brought against her by the Meru County Assembly.
This decision followed a vote by the Meru County Assembly on August 8, where 49 MCAs supported Mwangaza’s removal, three abstained, and 17 opposed the impeachment motion introduced by Deputy Majority Leader Zipporah Kinyua.
The Senate session was characterised by tension and heated exchanges, with senators from the Azimio coalition vocally opposing the proceedings.
When the voting began, the outcome was clear. Senators, predominantly from the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition, supported the charges against Governor Mwangaza.
For the first charge of gross violation of the Constitution and other laws, 26 senators voted in favour, four opposed, and 14 abstained.
The results were consistent for the second charge of gross misconduct, with 26 in support, two against, and 14 abstentions.
On the third charge of abuse of office, 26 senators supported the charge, one opposed, and 14 abstained.
Speaker Kingi announced the results, confirming Mwangaza’s removal.
“The result of the votes indicates that the Senate has upheld all the charges. Pursuant to Article 181 of the Constitution and Article 33 of the County Government Act, the Senate has resolved to remove Governor Kawira Mwangaza from office by way of impeachment,” he said.
- Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza impeached
- Impeachments must be treated with the solemnity they deserve
- Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor John Barorot resigns
Earlier in the day, Mwangaza addressed the Senate, pleading her case and attributing her tribulations to Meru Senator Kathuri Murungi. She accused Murungi of undermining her efforts to reconcile with county leaders.
“I am here because of various reasons, one being threats and intimidations to MCAs and external forces from leaders at the county level,” Mwangaza said.
She detailed her attempts to mend relations, including increasing ward fund allocations and suspending her charitable Okolea programme to foster unity.
Despite these efforts, she claimed they were insufficient to satisfy her critics.
Mwangaza also highlighted her attempts to engage with the Senate’s Devolution Committee and her public apologies to various stakeholders.
“I even went around Meru saying sorry if I ever wronged anyone. At one time, I said sorry 70 times for the 69 MCAs and the county assembly speaker,” she added.
The affirmation of Governor Mwangaza’s impeachment has dimmed the lights on a chaotic episode in Meru’s political theatre, marking the end of a period filled with intense conflict and high drama.
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