Former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza has blamed a group of “cartels” and political leaders for her impeachment, claiming the county has since lagged behind in development and service delivery.
“I beseech our community who voted for Mwangaza overwhelmingly. I garnered more than 200,000 votes. There are a few cartels who went crying at State House with one agenda, Mwangaza must be impeached,” she said.
Mwangaza argued that claims she was a barrier to development and peace in Meru were misleading, noting that conditions have worsened since her removal from office.
“But up to now, despite their cry and the President heeding to their agenda and impeaching me, Meru still lags behind in terms of development,” she said.
She cited shortages of essential services across the county, adding: “I have traversed the county, there are no drugs in hospitals, roads are pathetic, and there has been rampant insecurity in northern grazing zones, especially Tigania and Igembe regions.”
The former governor also challenged assertions that peace had returned to Meru, saying residents were still struggling.
“They are saying there is peace in Meru currently, but what kind of peace is this where learners are suffering without bursaries? Which peace when farmers have no fertiliser and our youth are not empowered?” she said.
Mwangaza urged President William Ruto to intervene and push leaders to focus on development.
“I request the President to take necessary action. The same way they came as a united team to State House demanding Mama be sent home, let them come together again to champion development in the county,” she said.
Meanwhile, Meru Senate aspirant Mugambi Imanyara called on residents to elect experienced leaders, warning against self-interest-driven politicians.
“Meru residents should elect leaders who have experience and are well versed with the needs of the community instead of electing self-interest-oriented leaders,” he said.
Imanyara further alleged that the impeachment process was influenced by political maneuvering, claiming that certain leaders played a key role in Mwangaza’s ouster.
Those implicated include Senate Deputy Speaker Kathuri Murungi, whom he accused of mobilising support for the impeachment.
Imanyara lost narrowly the Senate seat to Kathuri in 2022.
“The only individual who stood with Mwangaza during the impeachment was Imanyara. I fought for her with all my might, but Kathuri had the upper hand to impeach her for no apparent reason,” he said.
He urged voters to hold leaders accountable in the next election, adding that dissatisfaction with the Kenya Kwanza administration was growing in the region.
“I am aware Meru residents are tired and are waiting for voting day to send them home. Let them rectify where they went wrong by orchestrating the impeachment of Mama,” Imanyara said.
By Gerald Mutethia
