Kawira, Meru MCAs told to resolve row, avoid impeachment

Some senators have downplayed the ongoing Meru leadership saga terming it a minor issue that can be resolved locally.

They have asked the leaders against escalating the matter to the Senate, saying it is too trivial to require the attention of the House.

A leadership tiff pitting Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza (pictured centre) and the County Assembly has threatened scuttle service delivery.

Members of the Senate Business Committee told the MCAs to look for alternative mediation.

Speaking in Mombasa yesterday, Senate Majority leader Aron Cheruiyot hinted that even if the matter finds its way into the House, senators of the ruling party who have the majority will shoot it down.

“Governor Kawira Mwangaza has been part of every governing council meeting of the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) so she is very much part and parcel of us,” Said Cheruiyot in a statement likely seen to hand a sigh of relief to the embattled Governor.

Mwangaza is facing impeachment over what the local leadership has termed as nepotism in appointments. MCAs have also been on Kawira’s neck saying she did not involve them in county development matters.

“Many of the issues are best resolved in a sitting among the leaders, because I don’t believe that barely two months you have quarrelled to a point that the issue is irreconcilable. In the interest of the people of Meru, they should resolve their issues within themselves,” said Cheruiyot.

Meru Senator and Deputy Senate Speaker Kathuri Murungi said he hoped the matter would be resolved.

“There are discussions ongoing to resolve the stalemate and we hope by the end of this week a solution will be reached. We want to give them time to talk and resolve it once and for all,” said Murungi.

Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo said the Senate has more important matters to address.

“It’s not our pride to receive impeachment motions. We have elders in Meru like the Njuri Ncheke who can help in mediation,” said Madzayo, who is the Senate Minority Leader.

A Meru resident, Salesio Thuranira, has petitioned MCAs to impeach Governor Mwangaza says she went against the law and claimed some of her appointments had not been subjected to a competitive process and had not received the nod of MCAs.

But Mwangaza has defended herself against the MCAs “who are against her’’, accusing them of demanding ward development funds.