Meru Governor impeached for the third time since taking office in 2022
By Maureen Kinyanjui |
Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has been impeached for a record third time.
The County Assembly impeached the Governor on Thursday, with 49 MCAs voting in favour, 17 voting against, and three members abstaining.
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Before the plenary session started, chaos had erupted within the county assembly ahead of the debate.
Some pro-Mwangaza officials battled with their counterparts who backed the impeachment move.
The governor was impeached for three reasons: egregious violations of the constitution, gross misconduct, and abuse of authority.
Nominated MCA Zipporah Kinya filed a new motion to remove the embattled governor, citing serious violations of the constitution and misuse of public resources.
Kinya claimed that Mwangaza unjustly revoked Virginia Kawira's appointment as secretary of the county public service board, which violated the constitution and other laws.
"It is only the county assembly who have the mandate to revoke the appointment of the secretary county public service board," she said.
Still, in gross violation of the constitution and other laws, the Governor is accused of illegally dismissing) Kenneth Kimathi Mbae (Managing Director of Meru Microfinance Corporation), Dr Ntoiti (CEO of County Revenue Board), Paul Mwaki (CEO of Liquor Board), and Joseph and Kithure Mberia (CEO, MEWASS) in the usurpation of the powers of the appointing authorities contrary to section 9 (7)(b) of the Meru County Revenue Board Act and section 10(6) of the Meru County Invest
As a result of the court's judgement, Kinya stated that the Employment and Labour Relations Court ordered the County Government of Meru to pay Sh4 million in fees and damages.
The nominated MCA accused Mwangaza of gross misconduct, claiming she misled the public about a fundraiser for the late Daniel Muthiani's family. The nominated MCA also accused Mwangaza of abuse of office. According to the Auditors General's report, the governor employs 111 workers, including 79 cleaners who are not visible.
The employees are paid utilising a manual payroll.
Minority leader Mwenda Ithili (Athwana) seconded the impeachment motion.
He claimed that the governor should have appeared in the assembly to defend herself against the allegations rather than sending in hired goons to cause havoc and endanger County Assembly members.
MCAs opposed the ousting led by Kibirichia MCA Jacob Mwirigi stated that concerns made by the public were included in the public participation report submitted to the house.
Mwangaza's dismissal lacks legal grounds for impeachment.
"I oppose the motion!" On the issues presented, none of the counts hold water. It is needed that public engagement is appropriate; nonetheless, I disagree that the process was qualitative and quantitative. The list of complaints mentioned there does not correspond to the counts specified in the constitution," he stated.
The embattled Governor's fate will be decided by the Senate.
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