Meru MCAs Table Impeachment Motion Against Governor Mwangaza
By Harun Mugambi
The Meru County Assembly has tabled today July 16 a motion to impeach Governor Kawira Mwangaza, causing widespread controversy throughout the county.
The motion, introduced by Deputy Leader of the Majority Party Zipporah Kinya, accuses Governor Mwangaza of abuse of office, misappropriation, and misuse of county resources.
The motion claims that Governor Mwangaza has repeatedly violated the Constitution and various national and county laws. The Assembly is accusing her of making illegal appointments and dismissals of key officials without proper vetting or due process, contravening the County Governments Act.
“Irregularly and illegally appointing Irah Nkuubi Kanana as the County Attorney without vetting and approval by the County Assembly contrary to section five of the Office of the County Attorney Act and section four of the Public Appointments (County Assemblies Approval) Act,” said KInya while reading the notice of the motion.
The allegations also include claims of financial irregularities, such as overpayment of emergency call allowances to medical officers and maintaining a bloated workforce, which has strained the county’s finances. The motion argues that these actions have led to a misuse of public funds, exacerbating the county’s financial challenges.
Furthermore, the Governor is accused of failing to implement the Assembly’s recommendations, including the appointment of a County Attorney and dismissal of officials for gross misconduct. The motion argues that this blatant disregard for the Assembly’s oversight role and principles of accountability has further eroded public trust.
The most sensational claim involves allegations that Governor Mwangaza misled the public about funds raised through a campaign following a tragic incident, sparking widespread outrage and damaging her credibility.
“Deliberately and knowingly misleading the public by giving false information that Sh86,000,000.00 had been raised through the Paybill number 247247 Account Number 0400163917899 established after the murder of Daniel Muthiani alias Sniper while the correct position is that only Sh286,516.00 was raised thus violating the moral and ethical requirements expected of State Officers,” Kinya stated in her allegations.
According to DMK kiogora Minority whip, Public participation is scheduled for Monday, July 22, 2024, at 10:00 am in all 45 wards, with venues to be published in the media.
On Tuesday, July 23, and Wednesday, July 24, 2024, the County Assembly will embark on report writing and serve the Governor with the report.
The Governor or her lawyers will be expected to appear in the Assembly on Thursday, July 25, 2024, for defense when the motion will be moved and voted upon. If 46 Members of the County Assembly pass the motion on Friday, July 26, 2024, the report will be filed to the Senate, which will deliberate on the way forward.
Fridah Naito, a nominated MCA, stated outside the chambers, “The allegations are not true, and I know the Governor has answers to all queries raised by MCAs. This motion is politically instigated and misogynistic, targeting a governor who has shown remarkable leadership.”
Hon. Mwenda Ithili, the Minority Leader of Meru, voiced a contrasting opinion: “Meru people are tired of shenanigans. They are wise enough to understand where the problem is. The solution is now or never. As the assembly, we are seeking to correct Meru leadership through impeachment while the Governor thinks it’s dissolution. Whatever happens first, the better for Meru. Threats and intimidation won’t stop us from doing what we believe is best for our people. Noises by goons can’t change anything. Meru people pray for us.”
