By Debra Rono
Nominated Senator Karen Nyamu has emerged as the latest politician to express her opinion regarding the recent impeachment of Hon. Kawira Mwangaza, the Governor of Meru County, asserting that the grounds for the impeachment were notably weak.
“Very weak grounds to uphold an impeachment. The threshold was missed by far,” expressed Senator Nyamu.
Last night, the Senate of Kenya voted to remove Governor Kawira based on three charges: gross violation of the Constitution, gross misconduct, and abuse of office.
The controversial senator further stated that she recognizes the necessity of a political decision in Meru County due to the existing political divisions.
“However, a political decision had to be arrived at to save Meru from the back and forth. how are you not able to deal with your people? As governor, you were the senior most politician in Meru,” further stated Senator Nyamu.
Governor Kawira Mwangaza had previously undergone two impeachment trials but had managed to evade removal through the Senate’s intervention.
In the first impeachment in 2022, allegations were raised against Governor Mwangaza; however, the Senate committee assigned to investigate found a strained relationship between the county assembly and the governor, ultimately recommending reconciliation.
A year later, the members of the Meru County Assembly attempted to impeach the governor again, this time accusing her of irregular appointments and violations of county laws involving her husband, the First Gentleman of Meru. The motion presented by Majority Leader Evans Wawira was dismissed, allowing the governor to survive the axe once more.
The adage “third time’s a charm” did not hold for Governor Kawira Mwangaza, as she was unable to withstand her third impeachment attempt.
The Senate confirmed the impeachment motion presented by Zipporah Kinya, the deputy majority leader of the Meru County Assembly, during a session held on Wednesday.
In the first allegation, which involved a gross violation of the Constitution, 26 senators voted in favour of her impeachment, while 14 declared her not guilty, and 4 abstained from the vote. The second charge, concerning gross misconduct, saw 26 senators supporting the motion, 2 opposing it, and 14 abstaining. For the third charge, which pertained to abuse of office, 27 senators voted in favour, 1 against, and 14 abstained.
Governor Kawira Mwangaza made history as the first female governor of Meru County, succeeding Kiraitu Murungi as an independent candidate. She was one of seven women governors elected in Kenya during the 2022 elections, alongside Susan Kihika (Nakuru County), Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay County), Cecily Mbarire (Embu County), Wavinya Ndeti (Machakos County), Fatuma Achani (Kwale County), and Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga County).
Prior to her governorship, she served as the women representative for Meru County.