Looming Impeachment for Governor Kawira Mwangaza

Post by : Robert Kamau

Kenyans are about to experience the first impeachment of the 3rd devolution series. The impeachment is targeting Governor Kawira Mwangaza. Mwangaza is the current and third of Governor for Meru county. She was elected on an independent ticket having floored big political seniors in the last general election. She trounced the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture Mithika Linturi and former Meru governor Kiraitu Murungi.

Kawira is now facing an impending impeachment motion that has been filed against her by a Meru filed by Meru resident Thuranira Salesio Mutuma on Thursday, accuses Governor Mwangaza of gross misconduct and abuse of office.

Mr. Mutuma argues that Kawira contravened the Meru Revenue Board Act, 2014 by purportedly announcing the appointment of Francis Muigai as the new General Manager of the Meru County Revenue Board without due process and approval of the County Assembly.

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He goes on to finger the Governor for going against the Constitution by sending the first gentleman, Murega Baichu, to a USAID stakeholders’ function despite the fact that he is not a State officer hence is not allowed to act on behalf of the Meru County government.

“On 11th September, 2022, Hon. Kawira Mwangaza on her Facebook Page declared that she is not ready to work with other leaders since she is an Independent Governor,” Mr. Mutuma said in the petition.

“On 30th September, 2022, Hon. Kawira Mwangaza unveiled her Cabinet Team that was in violation of Article 27 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 and Section 35 of the County Government Act No. 17 of 2012. Effect to this violation I wrote a memorandum and a sworn Affidavit to the County Assembly of Meru Appointment committee and I raised the said Red Flags.”

Irregular Appointments

He added: “On 30th September, 2022, Hon. Kawira Mwangaza appointed one Mr. Rufus Miriti as the County Secretary contrary to Section 44 of County Governments Act No. 17 of 2012. That is the reason why his name was not forwarded to the County Assembly for vetting purposes.”

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Mr. Mutuma further noted that, after her husband visited the Igoji Meru Youth Service (MYS) centre, the beleaguered county boss unfairly labelled the owner of the leased facility as a thief.

He also accused Governor Kawira of allegedly storming the County Assembly with rowdy youth, thereby “dishonouring the Honourable house,” as well as referring to the MCAs as “cartels” without any evidence.

According to the petition, Kawira on October 24, 2022 incited residents of Akatha Ward, Tigania West Constituency, against area MCA Mwenda Ithili after allegedly humiliating him.

“On 25th October, 2022 Hon. Kawira Mwangaza while in Abogeta West Ward, South Imenti Constituency appointed Alternative ‘MCAs’. This was intended to replace the Constitutional Roles of the duly elected member of the said ward Hon. DMK Kiogora. This was a declared coup d’etat against all elected MCAs which is contrary to Chapter Six of the constitution of Kenya 2010,” stated the petition.

Photo//Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza with President William Ruto when she joined the Kenya Kwanza Alliance. The governor is fighting an impeachment motion that is expected to be table in the Meru county assembly in the next two or three weeks.

Other Allegations

The Governor is, in addition, facing accusations of nepotism. She is allegedly employing her family members to serve in various capacities under her official office.

Two of her sisters, the petition noted, are her bodyguard and personal assistant, the latter’s husband is her official driver. Her cousin is the Meru County government spokesperson. While her husband is the Meru Youth Service (MYS) patron.

These, besides her husband allegedly attending official meetings at the governor’s offices, have been termed as an illegality and irregularity.

“…it is uncontroverted that Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has violated, infringed and threatened the Constitution.She also violated all other relevant provisions of the law. These are the grounds of gross misconduct and abuse of abuse are substantiated,” added the petition.

Mr. Mutuma hence wants the Meru County Assembly to institute impeachment proceedings against Governor Kawira. the Assembly should also launch investigations into the allegations then summon the county boss to answer to them.