BREAKING: Governor Impeached for Constitutional Violations After 49-Member Vote

Popular Governor Impeached for Constitutional Violations After 49-Member Vote

Governor Kawira Mwangaza has been impeached following a decisive vote by 49 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), with 17 opposing the motion. Three MCAs were absent during the vote. The impeachment now heads to the Senate, where the final decision will determine whether she remains in office or is permanently removed.

Mwangaza has made history as the first governor in the country to face multiple impeachments.

Nominated MCA Zipporah Kinya led the charges, accusing Mwangaza of gross violations of the constitution, gross misconduct, and abuse of office.

One of the key accusations was the illegal revocation of Virginia Kawira’s appointment as Secretary of the County Public Service Board, a power that, according to Kinya, rests solely with the County Assembly.

Additionally, Kinya highlighted Mwangaza’s failure to appoint the necessary chairpersons for several key boards, including the Meru County Revenue Board and the Meru Microfinance Corporation, as required by law. This failure has hindered the operationalization of these crucial boards.

Further accusations included Mwangaza’s refusal to implement County Assembly resolutions calling for the dismissal of the County Secretary, Kiambi Athiru Thambura, and the Chief of Staff, Harrison Gatobu Nchamba Mbithi, for their alleged gross constitutional violations.

Kinya also accused Mwangaza of allowing illegal hiring and firing of staff by the County Secretary and Chief of Staff, without taking corrective action.

Additionally, the governor was charged with illegally dismissing key officials, including Dr. Ntoiti (CEO of the County Revenue Board) and Paul Mwaki (CEO of the Liquor Board), in a manner that violated the Meru County Revenue Board Act and the Meru County Investment and Development Corporation Act. This action has reportedly cost the County Government of Meru Sh4 million in court-ordered damages.

Governor Mwangaza now awaits the Senate’s decision, which will determine her political future.