Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza appeared before the Senate in Nairobi on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, for her impeachment hearing. file photo
In Summary:
- The Senate confirmed the impeachment of Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza on charges of constitutional violations and gross misconduct.
- Mwangaza’s impeachment follows her third impeachment attempt since taking office in August 2022, with significant support from the Senate and local MCAs.
The Senate has upheld the impeachment of Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza, confirming her removal from office. The decision came after a series of votes on multiple charges against her.
On the first charge of gross violation of the constitution and other laws, 26 senators voted in favor of her impeachment, with 14 abstaining and four voting against.
For the second charge of gross misconduct, 26 senators supported the impeachment, two opposed it, and 14 abstained.
Additionally, 27 senators upheld the charge of abuse of office, with one vote against and 14 abstentions.
Most of the senators who abstained were affiliated with Opposition parties.
Senate Speaker Amason Kingi stated, “Pursuant to Article 181 of the Constitution, Section 33 of County Government Act, and Standing Order 86 of the Senate Standing Orders, the Senate has resolved to remove from office by impeachment Hon. Kawira Mwangaza, the Governor of Meru County and the governor accordingly ceases to hold office.”
This impeachment represents the third attempt to remove Mwangaza since her election in August 2022.
The initial impeachment hearing was addressed by a committee, while the second and third were handled in plenary sessions.
The trial began on Monday, with Mwangaza presenting her case before the Senate.
On the day of the debate, 49 out of 69 MCAs supported the motion for Mwangaza’s ouster. Mwangaza denied all allegations and spoke about her efforts to reconcile with Meru leaders after her 2023 near-impeachment.
She claimed to have traveled extensively across Meru County to apologize to those she might have wronged, emphasizing her commitment to making amends with local leaders.
“I travelled across Meru, apologizing to anyone I may have wronged. At one point, I said sorry 70 times, 69 to each MCA, and once to the speaker. I said sorry 70 times,” she said.