Senate committee demands Mwangaza defend herself
Meru Governor will take witness stand to defend herself- Senate Committee investigating Mwangaza’s impeachment has ruled.
Speaking while making the ruling the Senate Committee Chairperson Senator Boni Khalwale allowed the Governor’s counsels to prepare her ahead of the grilling expected to take place this evening.
This is after members of the committee requested the governor to support her affidavit by defending herself over the allegations raised by the assembly against her.
Earlier the County Assembly Lawyer Muthomi Thiankolu had requested to grill the Governor on her affidavit.
Lawyers defending Kawira Mwangaza however demanded to use an affidavit filed by the Governor instead of the embattled governor defending herself in person.
Representing the embattled Governor, Lawyer Manasses Mwangi told the Senate that the Governor’s Counsel would prefer using the affidavit during the impeachment hearing.
In his interjection, the Senate Committee Chairperson Senator Boni Khalwale urged Governor Mwangaza to defend herself in person.
Governor Kawira is expected to take the stand to defend herself. Mwangaza has pleaded not guilty to all charges that informed her impeachment.
The County Assembly has accused Kawira of violating the Constitution 62 times, all committed within 64 days.
Kawira became the first county boss to be impeached barely three months after being sworn in.
All 67 Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) present during the impeachment session voted to remove her.
In her opening remarks on Tuesday, Kawira through her lawyer Elias Mutuma said she was a victim of blackmail.