Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza impeached by Senate vote

Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has been impeached from her seat after the majority of Senators voted on Tuesday night to uphold the charges against her.

The Senate found Kawira guilty On the first charge of gross violation of the Constitution and other laws,, with 26 Senators voting to confirm the charge, 4 voting against it, and 14 abstaining.

The second charge followed a similar pattern, with 26 Senators voting in favor, 2 opposing, and 14 abstaining.

The third charge, abuse of office, saw 27 Senators voting to confirm the charge, 1 voting against it, and 14 abstaining

Some 14 senators abstained from the vote while only four of them voted in her favour.

Most senators who abstained from voting are from opposition parties with those who voted to axe her came from Kenya Kwanza.

While delivering the Senate’s verdict, Senate Speaker Amazon Kingi said: “Pursuant to article 181 of the constitution, Section 33 of County Government Act and Standing Order 86 of the Senate Standing Orders, the Senate has resolved to remove from office by impeachment Hon. Kawira Mwangaza, the Governor of Meru County and the Governor according ceases to hold office.”

Since taking office two years ago, Mwangaza has been embroiled in a conflict with Members of County Assembly (MCAs) in Meru which saw her being impeached two times but senators then voted to keep her in office.

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The third impeachment came two weeks ago where members of Meru County Assembly tabled a motion to oust her citing gross misconduct, abuse of office and defying constitution.

Mwangaza, in her defense denied all the charges leveled against her.

Meru Deputy Governor Isaac Mutuma will take over from his boss (Mwangaza) to be the next Meru governor unless Mwangaza goes to court to challenge the Senate’s verdict.