Senate Impeaches Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza After Three Attempts

Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has been removed from office after the Senate upheld all three charges brought against her by the Meru County Assembly. This decision follows a dramatic session, making Mwangaza the first governor to be impeached since the August 9, 2022 elections.

The Senate session that led to Governor Mwangaza’s impeachment was intense and highly charged. Senators debated her fate in a tense atmosphere, with emotions running high. Although her impeachment seemed inevitable, the process dragged on, with the division bell ringing as the clock approached midnight.

Governor Mwangaza faced three main charges: gross violation of the Constitution and other laws, gross misconduct, and abuse of office. On the charge of gross violation of the Constitution and other laws, 26 senators voted in favor, 4 against, with 14 abstentions. For gross misconduct, 26 senators voted in favor, 2 against, with 14 abstentions. Finally, on the charge of abuse of office, 26 senators voted in favor, 1 against, with 14 abstentions. With these votes, the Senate confirmed her removal from office, as Speaker Kingi announced, citing Article 181 of the Constitution and Article 33 of the County Government Act.

Before the vote, Governor Mwangaza passionately defended herself on the Senate floor, outlining her efforts to reconcile with the Meru County Assembly Members (MCAs).

Mwangaza emphasized her initiatives to foster peace and unity in Meru, She also mentioned halting her long-standing charity program to address the concerns raised by the MCAs. Governor Kawira Mwangaza’s impeachment marks a significant moment in Kenyan politics, particularly in the post-August 2022 election period. Her removal highlights the ongoing challenges of political leadership at the county level, where maintaining strong relationships with MCAs and other local leaders is crucial for governance and stability