Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza says she is ready to support dissolution of county gov’t
Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza now says she is ready to support a quest to dissolve the county government.
Mwangaza, who recently survived an impeachment process, says she is ready to support organisations collecting signatures in a bid to dissolve her government.
"There are a number of organisations that have started collecting signatures to dissolve the county after seeing the direction our MCAs have taken... as the Governor, I am ready to support their quest," Mwangaza said.
Mwangaza survived an impeachment motion on November 8, 2023, after the majority of 47 elected senators voted to save her. Nominated senators were not allowed to participate in the voting.
Senators voted seven times because of seven charges against Kawira.
"Pursuant to Article 181 of the Constitution, Section 33 of the County Governments Act and Standing Order 80, the Senate resolves to remove from office by impeachment Kawira Mwangaza the governor Meru County on the seven charges; Misappropriation and misuse of County resources, nepotism and related unethical practices, bullying, vilification and diminishing other leaders, illegal appointments and usurpation of statutory powers, contempt of court, illegally naming a public road after her husband, and contempt of the assembly," Kingi read the charge against the Meru governor to the Senate.
The embattled Meru governor was impeached for the second time on October 25, 2023, after all 59 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) who were present at the Meru County Assembly supported a motion moved by Majority Leader Evans Mawira.
However, 10 MCAs who opposed the impeachment were absent from the assembly.
Kawira was first impeached on December 14, 2023, and became the first county boss to be voted out barely three months after being sworn in.
All 67 MCAs who were present during the first impeachment session voted to remove her over abuse of office claims.
Kawira was however saved from impeachment after an 11-member special Senate committee found charges against her unsubstantiated.
Petition to dissolve Mwangaza's government
A Meru County resident, Henry Muriithi, has tabled a petition seeking to dissolve the Meru County Government on grounds that it is dysfunctional.
"The stalemate has resulted in the objectives of devolution not being met as is foreseen under Article 174 of the Constitution. If the objectives of devolution are not being achieved in the county government of Meru, the people submit that the county ought to be dissolved at the earliest opportunity,” Muriithi said in the petition.
Mwangaza has however defended herself against the allegations, saying she has worked her best and will be re-elected based on her track record.
“There is no governor who has been impeached three times in a year. And despite the suffering, I have worked and ensured the absorption of the budget to the tune of 72 per cent. It was hard because of the challenges. If God and the people see it fit, they will re-elect me,” Mwangaza said.
